Obituary of Jerry E. Jacobs
SMSgt. Jerry E. “Jake” Jacobs, USAF, (Ret.), 80, of Rome, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 2, 2022. He was born in Salisbury, NC on September 12, 1941, the son of the late Gilbert and Ethel Jacobs. On May 6, 1965, he married Joan M. Conway in St. Patrick’s Church in Southold, NY.
Jerry retired from the United States Air Force in 1989 after 28 years of service. He served in Vietnam from 1966-67, and was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
He went on to work as a government civilian from 1989-2007 at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, then in Marietta, GA, and retired from West Point, NY.
Jerry played on several softball teams during his military career and kept in touch with his Red Horse friends from Vietnam and attended Red Horse reunions. Jerry was an avid gardener, enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching his grandkids play sports, and watching professional tennis. He was a member of the Vietnam Vets of America and life-time member, and Disabled American Veteran and life-time member, and American Legion.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his three children, John (Lisa) Jacobs, Debbie (Barry) Scott, and Gina (Tony) Recco; a brother, Larry Jacobs; a sister, Janice Lester; and five grandchildren, Matt Jacobs, Abby Jacobs, Taylor Recco, Andrew Recco, Ethan Scott, and Maggie Recco.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 11, at Southold Cemetery, Southold, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
