William Charles Jacobs, age 83, of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away on Monday, November 27,, 2017 at the Warner Center for Caring with his family by his side.

Born in Queens, NY, he was the eldest son of William K. Jacobs and Catherine McKee Jacobs. He attended North Texas State University in Denton TX, Armstrong State College Savannah, GA earning his Bachelors of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha in 1971.

As a young man he enlisted in the US Navy. He left the Navy as a Chief Boatswain�s Mate and accepted a commission as a Warrant Officer in the US Army. During his career he served as a Vessel Master and Harbor Master in Vietnam and as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigative Command (CID) at Ft. Benning, GA and Special Agent in Charge Neu Ulm, Germany, retiring in 1975.

Following retirement from the Army, he was an Instructor at the Georgia State Police Academy in Atlanta, GA. In 1978 he accepted Directorship of the North Central Georgia Law Enforcement Academy, Austell, GA. Moving to St. Simons Island, GA, Bill accepted the position of Instructor at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA.

In 1999, he and his wife Rose Mary moved to Fernandina Beach, FL. Bill enjoyed traveling, cycling with his dog Snow and work outs at the gym. He loved fixing things and wood working in his shop. He was a devoted husband and father and grandfather.

He volunteered his time working for and with disabled veterans.

Bill leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Rose Mary, children Christine Fournier and Robert Jacobs. brothers; Tom Jacobs (Ann), Robert Jacobs, Jack Jacobs and Jim Jacobs (Kris), sisters; Kathleen Liston (David) and Arline Harris (Phil). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Robert Fournier, Nicole Critchfield (Ryan) Farrah Whorton and Sterling Wood (Duran), great-grandchildren Riley, and Leilu Wood and Finn Critchfield.

His beloved son William P. Jacobs and sister Maureen Walker preceded him in death.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am Monday, December 11, 2017 at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida with Father Jose Kallukalam officiating.

Mr. Jacobs will be late to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29, 2017.