Morgan Douglas Jacobson

With a heavy yet grateful heart, we announce the passing of our beloved Morgan Douglas Jacobson on January 2, 2025, 3 months shy of his 88th birthday. Surrounded by the warmth of his family, Morgan, departed peacefully leaving behind a tapestry of love and cherished memories that will forever touch our lives.

Morgan was a devoted husband, a gentle father and a beloved grandfather. (affectionately known as Papa). He leaves behind his cherished son, Mark; his wonderful daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and his dear grandchildren, Erik and Brittany, who will carry his spirit forward in their hearts. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Noel Johnson; nephew Dale (Valerie) Johnson; nieces Darla (Scott) Martin, Kimberlee (Will) Buff, and Stephanee (Kevin) Samuel; as well as close friends Cliff Whipple, Sharon Clevenger, and Mumbi & Keith Turner, who all loved him dearly.

Born on April 7, 1937 in Duluth Minnesota to Herman and Esther (Johanson) Jacobson, Morgan started his life’s journey in a home filled with the rich sounds of Swedish. His parents, who immigrated from Sweden, nutured his upbringing, allowing him to embrace his heritage. In search of milder winters, The Jacobson family made a brave move to Anacortes, WA, in 1942 where they built a new life full of adventure and promise.

Morgan graduated from Anacortes High School in 1955 and pursued his education at Skagit Valley College, while working in the local salmon cannery. His passion for learning led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington, solidifying the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to public service.

In June 1960, Morgan “Jake” Jacobson proudly joined the Army National Guard, serving with honor until 1966. During active duty, he spent time at Fort Ord California doing a mix of mandatory training activities along with providing a direct support role to Major Mansfield at division headquarters. On April 11, 1964, he married his soul mate, Marinette (Johnson) Jacobson, in a beautiful ceremony at their local Lutheran church in Anacortes,WA. In 1972, they moved to Lakewood and purchased their first home. The family home would provide memories filled with joy, laughter & pool parties.

Morgan enjoyed a fulfilling 31-year career as a State Auditor for the State of Washington from 1970 to 2001. Over the years, “Jake” worked his way up through the ranks to become Deputy State Auditor of Washington supervising 4 Assistant Chief Examiners, 13 Statewide Audit Teams, and 180 professional staff members. State Auditor Brian Sonntag had this to say about Jake retiring in 2001… “You have served in many roles and I believe that much of the success of this Office rests squarely on your shoulders. I know I, and all of your co-workers, will miss your encylopedic memory and your willingness to share you knowledge.”

Shortly after his State retirement, Jake would return to the banking world when he became the City Treasurer at the City of Tacoma, Washington. He would serve 10 years as City Treasurer overseeing the City’s finances and investments, and ensuring long term financial stability for the organization. He finally retired in 2011 to enjoy his golden years with family and friends.

Family Vacations were the highlight of Morgan’s life. He created countless joyful moments camping at Ocean Shores and Banks Lake, cheering on the WSU Cougar football team, and exploring the magic of Disneyland/Disney World and the beauty of Hawaii with his family and grandchildren. His thirst for knowledge and love of history made him an entertaining storyteller, always eager to share interesting facts that could come in handy for a game of Jeopardy.

Morgan is lovingly remembered as a husband to Marinette, who preceded him in death after 57 wonderful years together, and as a cherished brother, uncle and friend to many. He is reunited with his parents, and siblings Morris ( Lorna), Nancy (John) and Harvey (Margaret), along with his niece Colleen (Justin) Ide, sister-in-law Betty Johnson, family friend Russ Clevenger and great-nephew Jeffrey Webb.

Though he may no longer be with us in body, Morgan’s spirit of love and laughter will live in our hearts. We are comforted by the promise of faith – through Jesus Christ, we will reunite again, surrounded by love.

A private celebration of Morgan’s life will take place in the spring of 2025 where family and friends will gather to honor the incredible man that he was.