John "Jack" L. Jacobson

John L. Jacobson (Jack) passed away peacefully at his home on June 20, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.  Jack was born November 14, 1939, in Baker City, Oregon.   In his childhood and high school days, he enjoyed playing football and basketball.  His best memories were hunting and goofing around on the ranch in the wild meadows along the powder river with brother Bud Jacobson and cousin Bill Stewart and Cousin Bob McKittrick.   

After graduation from North Powder High School, he went on to Oregon State University, where he got his bachelor’s in political science with a Minor in Wildlife Conservation.  He then Married the Love of his life Marsha Lillard Jacobson.  Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree, he was accepted to Willamette Law School.  All of this really made his Mom Marian and Dad Bud quite proud.  Jack was the first Jacobson to receive a formal education post-high school.   While in Law school, Jack and Marsha had their first child John Jacobson.  In 1964 Jack graduated from Willamette Law School with a Law Degree.  He then went into the Legal business in Baker City with a partner.  He, Marsha, and John settled near the family ranch on HWY 30 near North Powder.    Eight years later, they had their second son Kirk Jacobson and moved to their new home in Rock Creek outside of Haines.  Jack practiced law for 39 years in Baker City and had his office in the Antlers Hotel.

Jack will be remembered for his witty sense of humor, joke-telling, storytelling, and overall love for life and good people.  He always had a fresh joke to tell you, and most of them were pretty funny.   He enjoyed many things, but just visiting with good people seemed to be what he enjoyed the most in life.   

Jack and Marsha lived a full and active life with friends and family.  There were plenty of Snake River Raft trips, mushrooming trips, and travel adventures with friends and family.  Once grandkids came along, they became the new focus.  Jack was very proud of both of his sons and granddaughters for all graduating college from Oregon State, Eastern Oregon University, Lewis & Clark State College, and that his Grandson is also attending Oregon State. 

Jack went with a group of close friends to Alaska fishing every year for over 25 years.   The Stories they came back with after those trips were so funny; they would bring you to tears.    

On November 13 of 2003, Jack lost the love of his life, Marsha Jacobson.  Eventually, he gained back his love for life and began traveling and volunteering at the Baker Heritage Museum and the Interpretive Center.   Anyone who knew Jack knew he loved the history of the area and his family that immigrated to Baker Valley in 1864 on the Oregon Trail.   He was also active in the Baker Historical Society and enjoyed putting on local History discussions.  He was proud to be a 2nd generation, lifelong Elks Lodge member.   

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Marian and Walter (Bud) Jacobson, Marsha Jacobson, and brother Bud Jacobson.  Jack was survived by his Sons John & Amber Jacobson- Brookings, Oregon, and Kirk & Kathy Jacobson-Rock Creek, Granddaughters Abbey Jacobson- Austin, TX and Alycia Jacobson-Brookings, Oregon; Grandson Riley Jacobson-Enterprise, Granddaughter- Aria Higgins- Elgin, Or and Granddaughter Karly Knapp- North Powder, OR and Nephew Clark Jacobson- Pasco WA.  

Should you wish to make a donation on Jack’s behalf, the family suggests the Haines or Baker Heritage Museum through Coles Tribute Center 1950 Place St. Baker City, OR  97814.

The family would like to thank everyone for the offer of support and condolences.   The family is excited to celebrate Jack’s life at the Main Frontier Saloon in Haines on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from noon to 4 pm.  Stop by anytime and share a story. 

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