Captain William Waddoups Jacobsen, Jr.
Appeared: 2004-12-31
The Olympian, Olympia, Washington
Captain William Waddoups Jacobsen, Jr. gave his life in the service of his country on December 21, 2004 in Mosul, Iraq. He commanded A Company 1-24 Infantry in the 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade). Bill, who as Company Commander was committed to bringing every man in his company safely back home, will be laid to rest on Saturday, January 1, 2005. Bill had everything to live for. He and his wife Riikka have four beautiful children. Bill is the love of Riikka's life. They often talked about how they were living the most beautiful love story, and that they were perfect for each other. Bill is Riikka's inspiration, best friend, everything that she ever dreamed of, and so much more. The day Bill was killed was their 9th wedding anniversary. She misses him deeply. As a devoted and wonderful father to Billy III (8 years), Sedric (6 years), Yonah (5 years), and his little girl Avalon (2 years), he loved to wrestle with the boys on the floor, and even little Avalon would come and jump in the middle of all the fun. He always tried to spend as much time as possible with the children. They adore their father, and have such great memories of him. Bill lived life to the fullest. For instance, he ran two marathons, went rappelling, and took surfing lessons in Hawaii. He was an Eagle Scout. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He graduated in 1998 from Brigham Young University and the R.O.T.C. program, majoring in Business. Prior to his deployment he taught a children's Sunday School class at Church. Bill is also survived by his parents, Bill Sr. and Vickie; brother, Brent; and sisters, Jennae, Jessica, Jami Lee, and Jolin, and her husband, Erron, and son, Tache. His whole family is extremely proud of him and love and miss him. They all feel privileged to have had him for 31 wonderful years. Before he left he talked to all of his loved ones, and expressed his commitment to providing the Iraqi people with the opportunity to live in a democratic and free country. His Battalion Commander said at his memorial service in Mosul, "Captain Bill Jacobsen was the most complete man I have had the honor and privilege to have enter and touch my life." We, as his family, all know in whom we have trusted, our loving Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. We are buoyed by the sure knowledge and promise that all who die in Christ shall live again, and we know that we will see Bill again. The family invites friends to McEwan Funeral Home, 727 Morehead, Charlotte, North Carolina, on Friday, December 31, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral services for Captain Bill Jacobsen, Jr. will be held on Saturday, January 1, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 5815 Carmel Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the "Jacobsen Family College Fund", One Wachovia, Attention: Mary Senkow, 301 South College Street, NC 1140, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28202.