Michael Jacobson

Chief Warrant Officer 2, Michael Lee Jacobson, USN, Ret., age 61, of Fruita, died January 30, 2015 at his residence. Born December 19, 1953 in St. Cloud, MN, he was the son of Anna Dee Adolph Jacobson of Rifle, CO and the late Marlyn Jake Jacobson. The family lived in Omaha, NB and CO during Mike’s childhood. At that time, Mike was a Boy Scout who loved the outdoors and camping. He enjoyed hunting with his dad, motorcycles, and sailing. As a young mechanic, he loved old “fixer-uppers” especially, his yellow pickup. Following high school, Mike joined the Navy, a career that spanned 22 years and was his true calling in life. He served during the Kuwait War, and received many honors during his dedicated service to his country, ending his career with a Good Conduct Medal (4th award), a Sea service Deployment Ribbon (5th Award), a Humanitarian Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, National Defense (2nd Award), a Navy Unit Commendation, Southeast Asia, Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and a Navy Battle “E” (2nd award), as well as a Commendation from the City of Grand Junction, CO. From his beautiful handmade jewelry to being the family’s auto mechanic, from collecting swords to motorcycles, he was a man with many hobbies and diverse interests. He had a keen interest in the weather and loved keeping up with technology. Having played saxophone while in the high school and in the Navy, music remained an important influence throughout Mike’s life, which he in turn passed down to his children. A reserved person, known for his quirky sense of humor and to be steadfast and strong, he was truly dedicated to his family. He was a hard worker with strong work ethics, he didn’t believe in shortcuts – “do it right the first time”. Always punctual, he arrived 10 minutes early for appointments. His mantra was “5 minutes early is 5 minutes late”.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Betty Everett Jacobson, a son, Daniel (Arianna) Dial, and a daughter, Earleah Everett, all of Fruita, CO, two sisters, Cathy Evango, and LeeAnn Canterbury-Boyd, both of Rifle, CO, six nieces, Heather Evango, Tanya (Jeff) Coty, Christi and Dana Boyd, all of Rifle, Ness (Tyler) Fair, and Kyllene Frasco, both of Grand Junction, and two nephews, Stetson Hays and Justin Boyd, both of Rifle. Also left behind, but not forgotten, his loving K9 companions, Trip, Desperado, and Diva. Friends are invited to services with Military Honors at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Grand Junction, CO on Friday, February 13, at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to Wounded Veterans