John Henry Jacobs

John Henry Jacobs was born May 30, 1921 in Fairfield, Nebraska to Henry Albert and Sylvia Bell (Theobald) Jacobs. John grew up in Fairfield, Clay Center, and Plattsmouth, Nebraska. He attended country schools and high school in Clay Center and Plattsmouth, graduating from Plattsmouth High School in 1939. As a young boy, John enjoyed musicals, participating in choir, and playing basketball and baseball. Following high school, John attended Peru State College and Creighton University. He then enlisted in the United States Army in November 1942 and began his training as a pilot. In June of 1944, his enlistment was transferred to the Air Force and John flew B-17 Bombers. He returned home from the service in September of 1945. John married June Griffin on October 6, 1946 at the First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth, and to this union, a daughter, Linda Lea was born. The family made their home in Plattsmouth, Grand Island, and Omaha for several years before moving to Elkhorn, where they have spent the last 36 years. John worked for many years as a salesman in the industrial paint and fiberglass business, and worked for Ace Hardware in Elkhorn. In December 2007, John was awarded the 50 year Golden Hammer Award from Ace Hardware for his years of dedicated service. John’s dedication extended to his church as well. He and June are longtime members of First Presbyterian Church in Omaha, where John was an elder, and member of the church choir. John was also active with the National Campers and Hikers Association. John enjoyed staying active and could often be found golfing, square dancing, camping, and once, even bowled a 299 game! He loved being part of the church choir, attending Husker football games, and playing cards. He had a huge heart, and was always happiest when he could be with family and friends. He had a huge appetite, loved food, and was content when his stomach was full. But above all, he cherished his faith, and was a devoted family man. John passed away at his home in Elkhorn, Nebraska surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 17 days. He is survived by his wife June; daughter Linda Lea, of Omaha; granddaughters: Julie Ann and husband, Jeff Gavin of Bennington, Nebraska, and Nancy Elizabeth Fredrickson of Omaha; great grandson: Abel John Gavin; sister-in-law Marion Jacobs of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, special friend Tyler Sohns, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. John Henry Jacobs, age 90, of Elkhorn, died 2/16/2012. Survived by wife June, daughter Linda Fredrickson of Omaha, granddaughters Julie Ann, and husband Jeff Gavin of Bennington, and Nancy Elizabeth Fredrickson of Omaha, great grandson Abel John Gavin, sister-in-law Marion Jacobs of Plattsmouth, NE, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services will be Wed. 2/22, 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 216 S. 34th St., Omaha. Interment at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Plattsmouth, NE. Visitation Tuesday from 1-8 PM with the family receiving friends from 5-8 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Presbyterian Church Omaha Food Bank, First Presbyterian Church Plattsmouth, or Methodist Hospice.

John Henry Jacobs

May 30, 1921 - February 16, 2012