It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Ray Jacobsen, known affectionately as Bob or Jake, on January 24, 2025, at the age of 95. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 17, 1929, Bob was the only child of Irma Svoboda Jacobsen and Ray William Jacobsen.
From a young age, Bob knew he wanted to dedicate his life to nature and conservation. At just eleven years old, he dreamed of becoming a park ranger—a dream he would live out with passion and commitment. Bob graduated from Colorado A&M in 1951 with a degree in Forest Recreation, and shortly after, he served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
In June of 1953, Bob married his “Sweetie,” Phelma Marie Karvakko (Phel), with whom he shared 72 years of love, adventure, and partnership. Together, they explored some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country.
Bob’s career with the National Park Service took him to some of the most iconic locations in the United States. His first assignment was at Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, followed by a winter of ski bumming in Mount Hood, Oregon, and Alta, Utah. His passion for parks and preservation led him to roles as Park Ranger at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where he and Phel adopted their two daughters, Maile Christine Jacobsen and Lisa Jacobsen Stone.
His career continued to flourish with roles as District Park Ranger in Olympic National Park in Washington and Sequoia National Park in California, as well as Park Superintendent in Lehman Caves (now Great Basin) National Park in Nevada and Chalmette (now Jean Lafitte) National Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. His dedication to the protection and management of the nation’s natural resources culminated in his role as Chief of the Establishment of New Parks for the Department of Interior in Washington D.C.
Bob’s final assignment, as Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park from 1972 to 1986, was a period during which he achieved several significant accomplishments, including his commitment to Clean Air and Wilderness, leaving a lasting impact on the park. Following his retirement, Bob and Phel designed and built a beautiful home near Luray, Virginia, where they spent their days tending to a Christmas tree farm and running a Bed and Breakfast business for 20 years.
Throughout his life, Bob remained dedicated to his family, his work, and the natural world. His legacy is one of service, stewardship, and love. Bob leaves behind his beloved wife, Phel, his daughters, Maile and Lisa (Eric), granddaughter Shannon Stone, and many cherished friends and colleagues.
Bob lived a life filled with purpose and joy. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. Friends, wishing to express a remembrance of Bob’s lifelong dedication to the preservation of our natural resources, may consider a donation to: Shenandoah National Park Trust, the Robert Jacobsen Employee Development Fund, PO Box 341 – Charlottesville, VA 22902, https://www.snptrust.org/donate/ , or the Hawksbill Greenway Foundation, which Bob loved to walk, P.O. Box 629 – Luray, VA 22835.