Michael J. Jacobson, 92, called to heaven April 13, 2013. Mike was born Nov. 11, 1920, in Coeur d’Alene to Matthew and Julia Jacobson who immigrated to the Coeur d’Alene area in 1898. His father passed away when Mike was 4 years of age. During his childhood he helped his mother and 10 brothers and sisters with the family farm and took on a variety of other jobs to aid the family coffers.

In 1938, he graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School where he participated in football, wrestling and track.

Mike enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and spent three years in England where he served as an armaments specialist with the 432nd Air Service Group. In 1946, he married Jacqueline Moock, and became a family man fathering Virginia, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Marcia and Paul. He was very proud of his children and attended as many of their sporting events as possible sometimes acting as coach, and frequently driving the team bus. He was always willing to help in any capacity needed.

Mike enjoyed a 30-year career as a logger. He logged throughout North Idaho, Western Montana and Eastern Oregon, frequently working with several of his brothers. He was an expert sawyer and could fell trees with pinpoint precision. He loved sharing his logging life with his sons, frequently taking them with him on summer jobs during their high school years. After retiring the woods, he worked at the Kootenai County Landfill for a number of years — he tried retiring three times but some-how always managed to get called back, finally retiring at the age of 77.

During the past 15 years Mike lead an active retirement, enjoying bowling, dancing and card playing, and participating at the Lake City Community Center, where he had recently taken up Wii Bowling. He also loved to read and had a fondness for the books of Louis L’Amour. Mike was a favorite at the Community Center, where he always had a smile and a joke at the ready.

Mike was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. He loved attending the Wine and Cheese Socials as well as Saturday Mass.

After his health deteriorated in November 2012, Mike resided at Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene where he appreciated the care of staff and enjoyed frequent visits from friends and family members. He continued his Wii bowling career and picked up playing penny ante poker.

Mike was preceded in death by his is mother, Julia wife Jacqueline and daughter Virginia; and his 10 siblings. He is survived by sons, Michael (Karen), Christopher (Connie), Matthew and Paul (Luanne) Jacobson; his daughter, Marcia Babcock; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike will be sadly missed by his loving family and many friends.

His family suggests memorial contributions to the Lake City Community Center in lieu of flowers.

Viewing for Mike was held Tuesday, April 16, 2013, and will be held from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, with his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2013, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

Please sign Mike’s guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfunerchapel.com.