JACOBSON, L.C. (Jake)

L.C. 'Jake' Jacobson, a maverick of Phoenix and former President of the Del E. Webb Corporation, died Saturday, December 23, 2000 at age 88. He is survived by his wife Margaret Christine Jacobson; daughters Kay Gerold and Amy Jo Gottfurcht and sons, Ronnie Jacobson and JayKee Jacobson. Born in Garden City Kansas, he came to Tucson with his parents in 1913 where his father, Arthur was active in the construction business. In 1938, financial reverses and the Depression forced Jacobson to seek employment elsewhere. He paused in Phoenix hoping to pick up a week's work to earn enough to continue his trip west, and read in a newspaper that the then growing Webb Company was doing a job at the State Capitol. From timekeeper, Jacobson became a job superintendent and then estimator and in 1945 partner and general manager of the firm. In 1946 when the business was incorporated, he became Executive Vice President with Webb as President. The two were sole owners of the Company until going public in 1961 at which time Jake was promoted to President and Webb, Chairman. Jake and Webb were a great team and were responsible for building what is one of the nation's top construction companies. After retiring from the Webb Corporation in 1965, Jacobson bought the Newporter Inn Hotel in what was then 'sleepy' Newport Beach, California. He also participated in the development of Pinetop Country Club and later, Pinetop Lakes Country Club, in the White Mountains of Arizona. While his business accomplishments were many, never did Jacobson fantasize about being the biggest businessman or the richest. His true love was his family and hunting and fishing with his good friends from Phoenix. A private 'Celebration of Life' for friends and family was held at Paradise Valley County Club (Homestead Room. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, Arizona 85014. The Arizona Republic 12/27/2000.