David John Jacobson Sr.

Fairfax, VA — David John Jacobson, Sr, 76, died Friday, November 27 at the home of his son and daughter-in-law, David J. Jr. and Tonia Jacobson of Nokesville, VA. Mr. Jacobson was a 15-year cancer survivor. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Vivian Jacobson; his son and wife; his daughter Tracey and husband Jason Hogancamp; his sister Nancy and husband Doug: his grandchildren Michael Menefee, Sara, Brandi and Jacob Buchanan and Alyssa and Kelly Jacobson and their families, including three great-granddaughters and many close friends and colleagues. He was born and raised in Kanakanak, Alaska. He also spent some of his younger years in the Skokomish Valley in Washington State. He was the son of Leonard and Marietta Jacobson, he enjoyed the kinship of community and an extensive family engaged in the fishing, logging and fire control industry. In his early years, Mr. Jacobson helped man the fishing boats for the family's businesses. At age 19, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Mr. Jacobson travelled across-country playing pool and hitchhiking his way to his post in Fort Myer, Arlington, VA where he was assigned to the “Old Guard” 3rd infantry division and served proudly until his Honorable discharge in 1963. He met his wife, Vivian Rockholt, on a blind date and they were married in November of 1963 and spent 52 wonderful years together raising their children in Fairfax, VA. Mr. Jacobson had the opportunity to join the City of Fairfax Water Department in 1975 and he continued his career there, retiring after 20 years as the Chief Building Inspector. He enjoyed his “retirement” years as an employee of the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority immensely – and was proud to have been integrally involved with the construction of the mid-field terminal and development of Dulles International Airport. Over the years, his fire and building code expertise and reputation led him to extend his professional capabilities as an independent contractor for Americode, inspecting many new projects in Washington, D.C. and the greater Metro area. He not only took pride in his profession, but truly relished the friends he made during his time at work. Mr. Jacobson had a passion for animals and was particularly generous with the neighborhood squirrels and raccoons, much to the dismay of his wife’s poodles and his favorite cats. He enjoyed boating, golfing, fishing and especially road trips with Vivian to Charles Town, WV, where he was a two-time jackpot winner! He was a kind and patient caregiver for Vivian in his final years, despite his own health challenges. A funeral service will be held Saturday, December 5th at noon at Pierce Funeral Home of Manassas, with a burial at National Memorial Park in Arlington, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the American Cancer Society.

David John Jacobson Sr.

January 8, 1939 - November 27, 2015