Jason “Jake” Jacobsen, 56, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at AdventHealth hospice in Altamonte Springs following a long illness.
Born to the late Reidun T. (Mannes) Jacobsen and Capt. Peder “Pete” U. Jacobsen, both originally of Karmøy, Norway, Jake grew up on Poverty Point in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. His early years were highlighted by playing ball in “the field” behind his childhood home with fellow neighborhood kids, swimming at West Island Beach, spending time with Norwegian relatives, and working summers during high school in his family’s commercial fishing business.
Playing organized local sports, including football, basketball, and baseball, helped shape Jake into a gifted athlete. He played on the Fairhaven High School basketball team from 1984 to 1988. He emerged as a dominant center, joining the school’s 1,000-point club and helping lead the Blue Devils to an Eastern Massachusetts championship and a state title game appearance in 1987. His athletic and academic drive earned him a full Division II basketball scholarship to Stonehill College, where he graduated in 1992.
Drawn to sunshine and ocean air, Jake moved to Daytona Beach in 1993. A talented craftsman, he worked in commercial renovation and became especially skilled in plastering and other specialized trades. He loved being outdoors, biking, going to the beach, tending his garden, and fishing from local docks.
His Southern Baptist faith, which became an important part of his life later on, gave him strength, direction, and hope.
Jake faced significant health challenges throughout his life. Those close to him remember his sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and generous spirit, qualities that inspired loyal friendships. Although he made Daytona Beach his home for more than three decades, he remained a die-hard New England sports fan.
Jason is survived by his sister, Noelle Jacobsen, and brother-in-law, Vincent “Vince” L. Stellato, of Greater Orlando, Florida, along with extended family and friends throughout Massachusetts, Florida, and Norway.
Honoring the family’s preference to mourn privately, no public service will be held. Those who would like to remember Jake in a tangible way are invited to support the Volusia-Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless, Inc., P.O. Box 309, Daytona Beach, FL 32115-0309.
