Richard J. Jacobsen

Richard J. Jacobsen, 82, of Palos Verdes Peninsula CA, died peacefully at home on August 22, 2014 after living with Parkinson's disease the last few years. Richard "Dick" Jacobsen was born in San Pedro, CA on November 26, 1931. His parents were Captain Jacob Andrew Jacobsen and Elise Gulbransen Jacobsen, both from Norway. At the age of 5, Dick met his wife Sandy McCracken when they became neighbors growing up in Miraleste. They were married on September 22, 1956 in Westwood Community Methodist Church, in West Los Angeles. Dick graduated from the California Maritime Academy in 1952 and served in the U.S. Navy, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. After the Navy he gained experience on merchant ships, then in the mid 1950's he came home to work with his father in the family business, Jacobsen Pilot Service, Inc. in the Port of Long Beach. Dick worked as a port pilot before he became President of the company in 1960. He was well respected as a strong leader, being active in the maritime community and setting new safety standards in the piloting industry. Under his leadership, JPS pioneered the use of new technologies enhancing safety that subsequently became standard in the industry. He influenced many lives through his wisdom and compassion. He loved being around the business and continued to go to the office on a regular basis, even just weeks before his death. Dick Jacobsen was a loving husband and father who cherished family times together. He raised his family to enjoy the maritime tradition, farming avocados and citrus, riding and showing horses, and enjoying time together at Mammoth Lakes where he liked to hike and fish. Dick is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandra, their three children Katherine Anderson (husband Borgan), Thomas (wife Michele), and Linda Fester (husband Chad), his seven grandchildren and his sister Andrea Ulin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack and two sons, Kristian Jacob and Richard Andrew. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Seafarers Center of Los Angeles / Long Beach, 120 S Pico Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802. And, Assistant League of San Pedro – South Bay, 1441 W 8th Street San Pedro, CA 90732

Funeral Home:
Green Hills Mortuary and Memorial Chapel
27501 S.Western Ave.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
US 90275