Richard Orrin JACOBSON

JACOBSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/27/2016 at 18:57:36

October 18, 1936 --- April 1, 2016

Richard Orrin "Dick" JACOBSON, 79, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from Des Moines, IA, passed away peacefully in his home in the Clearwater, FL area Friday, April 1, 2016. Dick was born in Greeley, CO, Oct. 18, 1936, to Orrin and Ruby Jacobson. His parents operated a retail grocery store in Fort Lupton, CO. In 1941, the family moved to Belmond, IA, where Dick attended school until graduating in 1954. There were 35 students in Dick's graduating class. During the period from grade school through high school, Jacobson's ambition led him to several part-time jobs, including collecting old newspapers for recycling during World War II. His hard work earned him enough money to pay for his college expenses at the University of Iowa, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1957. Dick then spent three years in the Army before going to work for Monsanto Chemical Co. from 1961 to 1966. He became an independent agricultural chemical wholesaler for two years before founding Jacobson Warehouse Company in 1968.

With the $3,500 Dick accumulated from his previous work, Jacobson Warehouse Company was born. Over the years, Dick built The Jacobson Companies into one of the largest privately-owned warehouse organizations in the nation with more than 9,000 employees, 194 locations, and 35 million square feet across the United States. He expanded the business to include: Jacobson Investment Company, Jacobson Transportation Company, Jacobson Packaging Company, Jacobson Logistics Company, and Jacobson Staffing Company. He was also a significant partner in establishing Hawkeye Renewables, the third-largest ethanol producer in the United States.

Dick was an avid sports fan and supporter of Iowa and Iowa State football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the San Diego Padres, an active member of Chapel By-the-Sea Community Church in Clearwater Beach, FL, as well as a philanthropic leader. He founded the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation in 1976 to support children and educational opportunities in Iowa, the Midwest and Pinellas County, FL. Dick's generosity aided in the development of several buildings and facilities at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Grand View University, Junior Achievement's Exchange City, Youth Homes of Mid-America, Youth Emergency Services and Shelter, Special Olympics of Iowa, Science Center of Iowa, and Orchard Place.

The foundation has also provided substantial contributions to the Mayo Clinic Proton Beam Therapy Program, Belmond Elementary School, Iowa Hall of Pride, Des Moines Public Library, Iowa State Fair, Blank Children's Hospital, Boys and Girls Club, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy, and many more.

Dick always found ways to give his time, talent, and financial resources to help others by fulfilling his goal of "making money to give money." Dick's spirit of giving earned him numerous recognitions and awards, including the University Hawk of the Year Award in 1995, the University of Iowa Distinguished Friend of the University Award in 2000, and an appointment as Iowa State University Foundation Governor. In 2012, the Chronicle of Philanthropy recognized Dick as the 12th Most Generous Person of 2011. He encouraged others to live with the spirit of generosity. Dick earned the highest honor an Iowan can receive - the Iowa Award. Created by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, the Iowa Award represents the state's highest citizen award "to encourage and recognize the outstanding service of Iowans in the fields of science, medicine, law, religion, social welfare, education, agriculture, industry, government, and other public service." Jacobson was presented the award in 2012 by Governor Terry Branstad. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Orrin and Ruby. He was known for his great sense of humor and fascinating stories, his love of people, and his enormous generosity. Dick will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and his unwavering philanthropic leadership.

Celebration of life services will be open to the public Thursday, April 21, 2-6 pm, at Marina Cantina, 25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL and Saturday, May 7, 2-6 pm, at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines, IA. A private ceremony and interment will be held in Des Moines, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's name may be directed to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation, 4201 Westown Parkway, Suite 124, West Des Moines, IA 50266.

Tampa Bay Times --- Tampa, Florida
April 19, 2016