Colonel James Forrest Jacobsen (Ret.), Helena, Mt

Colonel James Forrest Jacobsen (Ret.) passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016, in Helena, Montana. He was 75.

Jim was born in Havre, a suburb of Chinook, Montana, on May 3, 1941, to Rich and Faye Jacobsen joining older brothers Dick and Larry.

Jim was raised in Chinook as a proud Sugarbeeter, participating in athletics as player and coach, forming lifetime friendships and family bonds.

Upon completing high school, Jim attended Montana State University, now known as the University of Montana, and began his military career as a soldier through ROTC. He completed his undergraduate degree in Education in Missoula and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. During his years in the Army, Jim finished his Master's degree through Webster College. Jim met his truest love and best friend, Carol Buor, in college. Married on September 13, 1964, Jim and Carol recently celebrated 52 years of marriage.

Jim and Carol's lives in the Army brought 23 moves, many friendships and many more memories from all around the world. During their 28 years in the Army, they raised a family of boys, fondly referred to as "My Three Sons" by their adoring Dad. Upon retirement in 1992, Montana drew Jim and Carol back to the home that they truly loved. Jim served in his second career as Administrator of Veterans Affairs for the State of Montana that brought another retirement in 2002. Col. James F. Jacobsen spent his life advocating for and serving our state and nation's soldiers.

Throughout the years, Jim was active in many organizations that he held in highest regard. Those include the Chinook Masonic Lodge, Montana Supreme Court Commission on Practice, Montana American Legion, Montana Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, and Association of US Army. He was also loyal to the YMCA, serving on the board and arriving daily to complete his workout.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers and their wives.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol; his sons Kurt (Emily), Kevin (Kristen), Kyle (Katie); his 8 precious grandchildren, Tyler, Robbie, Jamie, Reilly, Molly, Courtney, Allie, and Nathan; his aunt Wanda Sheets; his extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews; his countless, devoted friends; and his beloved Daisy. Jim's love of his family and friends was deep and his pride was truly profound.

Many people in many places were touched by Jim's steadfast integrity, calm patience, loyalty, kindness and extraordinary humor. He was always the teacher and mentor and known as a man of few words yet every one mattered. Jim was a faithful fan of Montana Grizzly Football and every activity that his sons and grandchildren participated in. Papa Jim and Gramma Carol lovingly drove thousands of miles to make sure that their grandchildren's biggest fans were in the stands.

A Memorial Celebration was held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue in Helena, on Thursday, January 5, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception following the service at the funeral home. Jim's burial with full military honors will take place at a later date at Fort Harrison. Memorials may be sent to The Montana State Veterans Cemetery or Hospice of St Peter's.

Please visit http://www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jim.

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