James A. Jacobson, 84, of Grand Marais, died March 24, 2019 in Grand Marais. Jim was born in Chippewa Falls, Wis. to Wally and Ann (Selzner) Jacobson. He attended public schools in Chippewa Falls and was a graduate of Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, and Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
Upon graduation from Luther Seminary he accepted a call to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft, S.D. where he served for four years. He and Anita enjoyed living on the prairie, being part of the small community where Jim enjoyed fantastic pheasant hunting with his parishioners.
While in seminary, Jim began to work with youth at Plymouth Christian Youth Center in Minneapolis. This led him to the Delinquency Study Project at Southern Illinois University where he continued his graduate education at St. Louis University, St. Louis. Dr. Jacobson was a professor at Southern Illinois University from which he retired. He and his wife, Anita, retired to Grand Marais in 1994.
He married Anita in 1958. He is survived by his wife and their three children: Ann Weggemann (Chris) of Eagan, Minn.; Karen O’Meara (Mike) of St. Paul, Minn.; and Peter Jacobson (Kathy) of Grinnell, Iowa. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Christin, Jessica, Mallory (Jeremy), Madeline, Benjamin, Daniel, Nicholas and Mary.
Mr. Jacobson was an avid reader and woodworker. His many books on woodworking were published by Sterling. He was known for his love of tea and fine teapots. He introduced his children and grandchildren to the pleasures of teatime. For many years, at teatime, Jim and Anita sipped fine tea and played a game of gin.
Jim was diagnosed with a rare cancer (Waldenstroms macroglobulinemia) in 1997. Prior to his illness Jim participated in the Cook County Curling Club and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a regular at the Tuesday morning Riff Raff gathering at the Blue Water Cafe.
He viewed his cancer not as a battle but as a “peaceful coexistence” with the disease. His experience with cancer enriched his life through the many caregivers he met. He accepted his illness with courage, humor and faith. What made this acceptance possible was his primary caregiver, Anita, his loving children and their spouses and his wonderful grandchildren.
He will be dearly missed by family and friends. Jim suggested memorials may be sent to the North Shore Health Care Foundation, Cook County Food Shelf or Grand Marais Public Library. Services will be held Friday afternoon, March 29 at 2 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais.
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