James Jacobs — O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home

James Jacobs, 96, of Quincy, passed away Sunday, June 30, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Jim was born September 18, 1927, in Camp Point, IL, the youngest child of Isaac and Alvena (Winnie) Jacobs. He married Rosalie Crossland of Bowen, IL. She survives.

Jim was a 1945 graduate of Maplewood High School, Camp Point, playing baseball and basketball. He enjoyed these two sports and other sports throughout his life.

He was a World War II veteran by joining the U.S. Navy after high school graduation. Even though the war was nearing the end, he wanted to serve his country. After retiring from the Navy and while attending Gem City Business College, Jim met Rosalie Crossland, they were married June 17, 1948, in the Bowen Methodist Church, Bowen, IL. This union was blessed with three sons, Aaron James, Lynn Edward, and Philip Lee Jacobs.

Jim’s career trajectory took him from working as a farm hand in the Bowen area to an office manager for a seed company in Camp Point. He later moved to Quincy and delved into the feed manufacturing industry as a sales correspondent. In 1964, Jim transitioned to the trucking industry, where he excelled in sales and management, culminating in his retirement as Terminal Manager from Churchill Truck Lines on November 1, 1993.

Aligning with his deep sense of civic responsibility, Jim was actively involved in his community. He served as a Village Clerk on the Village board, volunteered as a fireman, and generously devoted time as an advisor for Junior Achievement. His passion for sports found an outlet in coaching Little League baseball, and he was a steadfast member of the Breakfast Optimist Club. Jim’s commitment to fellowship and service extended beyond his immediate vicinity, as evidenced by his membership in Benjamin Lodge 297 in Camp Point since 1953 and the American Legion Post 37 in Quincy. A man of faith and compassion, Jim joined the Vermont Street Methodist Church in 1957, where he served on various committees and dedicated over 50 years to ushering.

In addition to his wife of 76 years, he is survived by his three sons, Col. Dr. Aaron Jacobs (Col. Jean) of San Antonio, TX, Lynn Jacobs (Connie) of Quincy, and Philip Jacobs (Sue Ellen) of Brookfield, IL; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Helen Bangert; and one brother, Wayne Jacobs.

Friends and Family are invited to a visitation that will be Friday, July 5, 2024, from 10am to 11am at the O’Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A funeral service will directly follow at 11am with Rev. Rachel Stockle officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy, IL, with full military honors given by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Guard.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Cole, Amanda Cole, Sarah Jacobs, Melissa Jacobs, Nicholas Jacobs, Robert Moyland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veteran’s Home Activity Fund.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.