Jim Jacobs

Jim was born November 13, 1943 and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan. After graduating high school in 1961, he began his life of service when he enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Army Security Agency. After three years he returned to Battle Creek where he accepted a position as Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department.

In 1968, Jim applied for the position of Police Officer with the Newport Beach Police Department. He attended the Los Angeles Police Department Academy and graduated first in his class of fifty-two recruits. He was selected by his classmates to serve as valedictorian.

Upon graduation from the academy, Jim embarked on what would become a distinguished and productive career. As a policeman, he served as a patrol officer, planning and research officer, and in 1971, inaugurated the “Cop on Campus” program in which he taught a social science elective class at Corona del Mar High School.

Jim went on to serve the Newport Beach Police Department for twenty-nine years. He was selected as Supervisor of the Year in 1976 and then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, serving in the Administrative, Patrol and Traffic Divisions.

In 1990, Jim was promoted to the rank of Captain and was later appointed to the position of Acting Chief of Police while the City began a nationwide search for a new Chief. Jim served as Acting Chief for the next ten months and was honored by the Newport Beach City Council for his efforts with a proclamation.

During his career, Jim’s educational achievements included a Bachelor’s Degree at California State University, Fullerton, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and graduation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.

After retiring in 1996, Jim continued to serve, notably, through his church, as a Deacon and an enthusiastic handyman for those in need, particularly seniors. It was through church he met and soon married Trish. Trish and Jim shared a love of family, furry friends, and outdoor activities. In 2003, they decided to pursue their mutual dream and moved to Lake of the Ozarks, MO, where they settled into a beautiful home on the lake and shared many hours of boating, fishing and each other.

“Jake” was husband to Trish, father to Julie and Jennifer, stepfather to Jody Gould and David Allen, and grandfather to 4.

Prepared by Stan Bressler, Nov. 2009