Genuine.

That's the word Lydia Grubb used to describe Gene Jacobs. 

“A lover of God and a lover of people,” said Grubb, who works at Real Life Ministries in Post Falls and was a longtime friend of Jacobs.

Another friend of Jacobs said he would go the extra mile for anyone.

“A true example of servant leadership,” said Debbie Ross.

People shared praise for Jacobs, but also sorrow, after learning of his death Tuesday. He was found dead in a mountainous area south of Pinehurst after an extensive search. He had left his home that morning and failed to arrive for a staff meeting at Real Life Ministries Silver Valley, where he was the lead pastor.

He was 59.

Ross said the RLM staff was “very somber” Wednesday and there were tears at the loss of Jacobs, a beloved man of faith who led the Pinehurst church since it was planted in 2007.

Grubb said many were in disbelief that Jacobs was gone but held strong to their faith.

“We know God's got this,” she said.

According to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, footage from a neighbor’s security camera showed Jacobs turning from the way he would usually walk to the church about a mile away, and instead heading up a hill toward trails he often hiked.

Church members called authorities when Jacobs didn't arrive for the meeting with elders.

A search was quickly organized that included about 40 people from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Pinehurst police and volunteers. They set out by foot, on ATVs and dirt bikes, and by helicopter. K-9 units were also called in. Jacobs' body was spotted in the late afternoon by Two Bear Air.

A cause of death was not released. An investigation continues.  

SCSO Sheriff Holly Lindsey, in a Facebook post, wrote that the Silver Valley has gone through much in the last two years.

“I wish I had something profound to say to bring some peace to everyone. But the truth is, yesterday was one of the worst days of my career,” she wrote. “Seeing and experiencing all that pain. It’s a day I will never forget. Our community is hurting right now, and we need to be there for each other however we can. The strong need to be ready to listen, and those who are hurting should seek out someone they trust and talk about it. We must come together and help each other get through this devastating time.”

RLM Silver Valley issued a statement Wednesday.

“This is a huge loss to our congregation. We are doing our best to be the church that Jesus has called us to be. That means ministering to the needs of our congregation and the community. This is also a very difficult time for the Jacobs family. Your grace in giving them time and space to heal is appreciated.”

The church will be offering grief counseling services. It will not have its normal 6 p.m. Thursday service but will offer a prayer time from 6 to 8 p.m.

Sunday morning services at 9 and 11 will be led by RLM leaders in Post Falls.

Jim Putman, senior pastor of RLM Post Falls, said Jacobs will be missed and coming to terms with his death “is very, very painful.”

“Gene was the kind of guy who leaves a huge hole because of who he was as a person,” Putman said. 

He said Jacobs and his wife, Christy, who also worked at RLM Silver Valley, were “some of the greatest servants I know."

Both loved the Lord, he said.

“They gave their lives to others all the time,” Putman said.

Putman said Jacobs did a wonderful job leading RLM Silver Valley. The church has grown steadily to about 500 attending services and opened a new building about two years ago.