Daniel W. Jacobs

Daniel (Dan) "Jake" Wayne Jacobs, 60, of Galesburg, died on Friday, March 3, 2017, 9:38 PM at OSF Saint Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, surrounded by his loving wife, son, and family.  Dan was born on April 7, 1956 in Galesburg. He was the son of Carl H. "Bud" and Beverley J. (Duval) Jacobs. He married the love of his life Caryl "Jean" Cullison on December 29, 1979 at the Knoxville Christian Church, Knoxville. Dan is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his son, Cory (Chrissy) Jacobs of Sterling; his mother Beverley of Galesburg; two sisters, Nancy (Ken) Kirch of Virginia Beach, Va., and Becky Jacobs of Burlington, Ia; and his two grandsons, Tanner and Cameron Jacobs of Sterling. He was preceded in death by his father.  Dan attended Galesburg schools. He retired as a Major of the United States Air Force in February of 1997; where he flew the F-111 during the Gulf War: Dessert Storm. During his career in the Air Force, he flew three different types of fighter jets. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Biology at Monmouth College and then later, Masters of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Emory Riddle University. Prior to his joining the Air Force, Dan was a minor league pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization. After retiring, he took up the hobby of dock diving with his pup, Missy. They were inducted into the Dock Diving Hall of Fame in 2014; and Missy is the only dog to appear on ESPN's "Play of the Day" for her record setting 28' 10" dive. Dan was also a substitute teacher and coached area kids in football, baseball. He was also Quartermaster of the Galesburg VFW #2257. His son Cory had the honor of escorting him on the Peoria Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.  Most of all Dan loved to spend time with his family and his friends; especially his little buddy, Tanner "T-Man".  Per Dan's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.  A celebration of Dan's life will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017, from 2-4 PM at the Thomas Legacy Center, Galesburg. A burial of cremated remains with military rites will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island, Illinois, at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be donated to the family for them to decide at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.