Phillip David Jacobson

On July 30, 1943, the decibel limit of heaven was crossed for too many consecutive days, and the Lord sent the main offender, Phillip David Jacobson, to parents Phebe and Oliver Jacobson in Wadena, Minnesota. Phil was the fifth of six siblings (heaven’s other main volume offenders): Robert, Shirley, Sharon, Gwendolyn, and Margaret.

Phil graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran High School in Fargo, North Dakota and proudly enlisted in the US Navy. He concluded 6 honorable years of military service and multiple tours in Vietnam as a Lieutenant flying the E1B. (Even though recognized as one of the greatest pilots in the Navy at the time, Phil was banned from jets due to numerous events involving “buzzing the tower” and other mischievous incidents).

Because he would neither leave the administration office nor attend college classes, Phil was “awarded” a two-year diploma from Lake Wobegon Adjacent Technical University in Minnesota for his military service and was subsequently hired as a commercial pilot. Phil enjoyed 37 years with Northwest Airlines as a captain and instructor on the 727, 737, 747, and the DC-10. During his time at Northwest, he was repeatedly recognized by the company for his witty and entertaining announcements to crew and passengers. Following “retirement” Phil invented and patented a shallow-well oil pump, started a contracting business, joined the house-flipping craze, and continued charitable service wherever a need was found.

While his favorite activities included flying, fishing, and carpentry, the greatest loves of Phil’s life were his relationships with God, with his loved ones, and with every single person he met. Phil was known for his exuberant spirit, joyous and happy presence, ceaseless humor, and ginormous lips that shamed Angelina Jolie’s. Throughout his life, Phil remained dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus Christ through his words, actions, and innumerable acts of service. Organizations Phil served and loved include Wycliffe Bible Translators, The Hills Church, Our Father’s Children, Fort Worth Christian School, Eastern European Mission, Bible Study Fellowship, Community Enrichment Center, Camp Peniel, and many mission trips throughout the world.

Despite insisting he could do more work for the Lord on Earth, Phil finally agreed to return to heaven with the temptation of repairing the pearly gates on March 25, 2026. If he is not trying to replace Peter as greeter to heaven, Phil is reunited in heaven with his parents, Phebe and Oliver, sister, Margaret, and friend of his heart Carolyn. He is survived by his loving and kind wife Andrea Jacobson; siblings Robert, Shirley, Sharon, and Gwen; children Phil Jr and wife Cindy, Dawn and husband Matt, Kim and husband Marco, Lindsey and husband Dave, Trevor and wife Rebekah, “bonus children” Jason and Jonathan and friend of his heart Linda. His grandchildren include Pheobe, Royce, Elisa, Alexis, Kaylyn, Antonio, Olivia, Nick, Jamie, Madison, Zoe, Josie, Jaben, Lauren, Emma, Chloe, Janelle, and great-granddaughter Remi. We deeply miss him and will continue to share his love and light to the world.

Phil’s Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel at The Hills Church (6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills, TX 76180) on April 18, 2026, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to encourage friends to contribute a donation in his honor to either Our Father’s Children or Wycliffe Bible Translators.