James "Jim" Clark Jacobs

Jim Jacobs, 77, of Merkel, TX went home to his Lord and Savior on January 4, 2021. Born James Clark, He was the third child of Johnny and Jessie Jacobs, also of Merkel. Jim graduated from Merkel in 1962, and then attended Abilene Christian College, graduating in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Range Management. In August 1966 during the Vietnam War, Jim was drafted in the U.S. Army. Military training took him to New York, Jungle Training in Panama, then was later stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso until 1968, earning the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Jim served in the Army Reserve from 1969-1979 and was promoted to Captain. He concluded his military service with the Rank of Major. While in El Paso, Jim met the love of his life, Ann Muse, and the two were married in March of 1970. Jim and Ann made their home south of Merkel and raised three children; Collin, Leslie, and Jeff. For 52 years, Jim farmed the land on which he was raised. He was an active member of the Merkel Church of Christ family all his life, and started and helped run the bus program for more than 30 years. Jim was proud of the church bus program, which taught many local children about Jesus Christ and allowed church members to donate Christmas presents for many years. Jim served as a Deacon for 31 years and finally as an Elder for the past nine years. Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years Ann Muse Jacobs; his children Collin Jacobs and wife Natasha of Merkel, Leslie Jacobs of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jeff Jacobs and wife Kimberly of Springtown; four grandchildren Shelby Jacobs (11) of Merkel, Jude (7), Knox (5) and Presley(4) Jacobs of Springtown; brother Charles Jacobs and wife Bernice of Merkel; sisters Jo Ann Doan and husband Jimmy of Plano, and Linda Looper Weatherspoon and husband Harry of Midland; nine nephews and three nieces. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Johnny and Jessie Jacobs. A visitation will be held at Starbuck Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00PM Friday, January 8, 2021. Jim’s life will be celebrated at 1:00PM Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Merkel Church of Christ. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Merkel Church of Christ Tuesday/Thursday School Program or to Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene.

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