James R. Jacobs

February 20, 1936 - June 3, 2017

James R. Jacobs, age 81, of Avon Park, Florida, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017. He was born February 20, 1936 in Pekin, Illinois to Roscoe John and Nina Louise (DeBoer) Jacobs. He worked as a safety officer for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, Illinois. James was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, and has been a resident of Avon Park, FL since 2002, coming from Illinois. He is survived by his wife – Edwina Jacobs of Avon Park, FL; Son – Timothy J. Jacobs of Peoria, IL; Daughter – Jodii R. Cooper of Lake Geneva, IL; Step-Sons – Richard A. Huff of Linesville, PA; Robert D. Huff of Coppell, TX; Sister – Mary Longen of Illinois; 4 Grandchildren; and 1 Great Grandson. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Avon Park with Rev. Richard Stackhouse officiating. Interment will follow in the Lakeview Memorial Gardens. Family will begin receiving friends at 10:30 AM prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highlands County Humane Society, 7321 Haywood Taylor Blvd., Sebring, FL 33876.