MCFARLAND - James William Jacobus, age 76, of McFarland, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at UW Hospital and Clinics. He was born on May 20, 1948, the son of Donald and Mary “Caroline” (Burns) Jacobus.

James served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed for one year in the Da Nang Air Base in Vietnam as a cook. He then graduated from UW-Stout in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant management. Later he earned a master’s degree from Cardinal Stritch University. He married Patricia "Pat" (Schnell) Jacobus on August 16th, 1975, in Pewaukee. He worked at UW Hospital in culinary services for 33 years.

James was very involved in Scouts. He was an Eagle Scout in Troop 3 in Downers Grove, Ill., and the Scout Master of a Troop in Menomonie and Troop 53 in McFarland.

James loved the outdoors, especially camping, boating on the Madison lakes and the Mississippi River and feeding and watching birds. He was a big sports fan with his favorite teams being the Cubs, Packers and Bucks. He was fascinated by airplanes and could tell which company the airplane belonged to as it flew over.

James had a strong faith in God and held many church leadership positions. He sang in the choir as a soloist. He was an active participant in many church activities, including the church bowling team.

James was a fighter with a positive and determined attitude, even when suffering from two paralyses in 32 years.

James is survived by wife, Pat; sons, Brian (Sabrina) Jacobus and Scott (Jolie) Jacobus; and his grandson, Steven Jacobus, of whom he was very proud. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary “Caroline” Jacobus; brothers-in-law, Ronald Mead and John Schnell; and nephew, David Robert Jacobus.

A memorial service will be held at Monona United Methodist Church, 606 Nichols Road, Monona, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2025, with Yohan Hong presiding, followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Please wear bright colors in honor of James.

Memorials may be made to Monona United Methodist Church, Boy Scout Troop 61 in Belleville or Boy Scout Troop 53 in McFarland. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Jim W Jacobus

May 20, 1948 - May 06, 2025

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