March 15, 1943 – March 30, 2025

Daniel Carl Jacobson, known by everyone as “Jake”, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025 from medical complications after a fall.

Jake was recognized by his exceptionally wide circle of friends as a true Renaissance man, with a natural curiosity about all aspects of life. He was as comfortable working in his garden, riding his motorcycle, or creating culinary masterpieces as he was advocating his client’s position in a courtroom or making major business decisions in the C suite. Perhaps more importantly, he enjoyed meeting and getting to know people from all walks of life. His close friends ranged from “the real Nathan Hale,” Jake’s nickname for the boatswain on the ship he captained, to senior executives at some of the country’s largest businesses. His interests were equally diverse, and included military and political history, religion, sports of all kinds (particularly golf ), art, gardening, food and travel. Jake did not hesitate to speak his mind on issues big and small, yet he always listened to those with different or opposing views and was willing to modify his position when convinced that a change made sense.

Jake was born in Palo Alto, California on March 15, 1943 to David and Mildred Jacobson. He attended public schools in Palo Alto, graduating with academic honors in 1961. He attended Princeton University, graduating in 1965 with a degree in Political Science. Following graduation Jake enrolled in Navy Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Ensign in August 1966. Following tours of duty in the Caribbean, he served on a destroyer off the coast of Vietnam, where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart Medal. He returned to duty on the East coast as commanding officer of the USS Umpqua (ATA-209) and held the distinction of the youngest and most junior commanding officer in the U.S. Navy at that time. Jake departed military service in March 1974 with the rank of Lieutenant, U.S. Navy.

Following military service, Jake enrolled at Stanford Law School and received his Juris Doctor in May 1977. He joined the firm of Oles, Morrison, Leedy and DeGarmo in Seattle and practiced there and at subsequent firms for more than 20 years, specializing in construction, government contracts, and public procurement law, handling cases for a wide variety of clients across Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Hawaii and beyond. Among his many accolades, he received the highest rating for legal competence and ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell.

In 1999 Jake left private practice to serve as Executive Vice President and Director of Osborne Construction Company, where he oversaw risk management, owner relations, regulatory compliance, human resources, insurance, and claims—among many other responsibilities. He retired as a full-time employee of the Osborne company in 2013 but continued to serve on its Board of Directors until his death.

Jake relocated from Seattle to Mercer Island in 1989 and became a passionate advocate for the Mercer Island community. When his professional workload lessened, he devoted his time to an increasing number of Mercer Island community activities. He served on the Mercer Island Schools Committee, helping lead a successful bond campaign that funded the construction and expansion of elementary, middle and high schools. He was elected to the Mercer Island City Council in 2019 and re-elected in 2023.

Jake brought his deep expertise in construction and project management to his work on the Council. He played a central role in shaping local policy and advancing critical infrastructure projects. He was a hands-on leader who visited project sites, engaged directly with City staff, and made time to connect with residents and businesses. He was a proud supporter of numerous capital projects, including playground renovation, new pickleball courts, and essential utility and road improvements across the Island. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jake worked tirelessly to support businesses and residents, contributing to Mercer Island’s recovery and personally donating to help restart beloved community events like Summer Celebration.

Jake was often seen walking his beloved terriers, Nemesis and Jasper, and he found joy in tending his garden – especially his prized dahlias. Many friends and neighbors remember receiving bouquets from Jake, a symbol of his generosity, warmth, and thoughtful nature.

A member of Seattle’s Broadmoor Golf Club, Jake was passionate about golf and traveled with his college, law school and business friends to courses near and far. He was a dedicated fan of Stanford football and attended as many games as his schedule permitted. He also enjoyed annual gatherings with his Princeton classmates in the summer in Stowe, Vermont, during the Holiday Season in New York City, and on African safaris.

Jake was introduced to the Mormon church in later years and became an active member, participating in a wide variety of church activities, with a particular focus on missionary initiatives.

Jake was predeceased by his parents and his sister, professor Anne Jacobson Schutte. Major milestones to his life included marriages to Kathie Brodie and to Mary Tapp. He had no immediate family survivors.

Jake will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held on Mercer Island at a date and time to be determined.