Rick Jacobs

Sgt. James Richard “Rick” Jacobs, 76, affectionately known to his family as “Pops” and “Murdock” to his friends, passed away peacefully at home in Warsaw on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Rick was born on Oct. 18, 1947, in Oakland, Calif., to Ray Dean and Billie Lee (Peterson) Jacobs. He grew up in Reno, Nev., and graduated from Wooster High School. At age 18, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served his country for five years as a helicopter crew chief, completing more than 280 combat missions in the Vietnam War. Upon discharge, he served the Las Vegas community as a field agent with the Internal Revenue Service and fireman-paramedic for Clark County Fire Department. Later in life, he was a successful entrepreneur and professional painter. After retirement, Murdock found camaraderie and brotherhood through two local motorcycle clubs: Marine Riders of Michiana as well as Southwest Michigan Marine Riders. He spent his spare time creating custom wood art and walking sticks.

He brought his special brand of humor and levity to every occasion. When you spent time with Pops, he was quick to share a tale from his life, offering a glimpse into his adventures. His warrior heart was evident not only through service to his country but also in overcoming many life challenges. Pops’ generous and ornery spirit will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Dean and Billie Lee (Peterson) Jacobs; and brother, Michael Jacobs. He leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Pansy Jacobs; two sons, Jim Jacobs, Florida, and Tim (Susie) Jacobs, Sparks, Nev.; four stepchildren, Wendy Fairchild, Warsaw, Troy (Laura Ferreira) Fairchild, Melbourne, Fla., Jason Clement, Kentucky, and Charity (Jeff) Yates, Warsaw; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27, at King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone, with Pastor Hedgel Perry officiating.

The interment will take place following the service in the Nichols Cemetery, Akron, with graveside military rites performed by the U.S. Marines and the Warsaw American Legion.

Visitation hours will be held from 4-7:00 p.m. Friday, July 26, at King Memorial Home, Mentone.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the following causes: Fellowship Missions, In Memory of Rick Jacobs, 1520 E. Winona Ave., Warsaw, IN 46580 or via online, fellowshipmissions.net/donate; or Mishawaka Troop Town, In Memory of Rick “Murdock” Jacobs, P.O. Box 231, Mishawaka, IN 46546, or via online, mishawakatrooptown.org.

Share a memory or send an online condolence at hartzlerfuneralservices.com.