The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Engineer Ray Jacobs passed away Sunday June 10, 2018.

 A viewing was held June 22, 2018, at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32223, from 6 to 8 pm. His funeral was the next day, Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the same Hardage-Giddens, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, 32207. Ray was a true gentleman, a dedicated family man and a dedicated rescue fireman. He touched many lives and served as a positive role model for many. May Ray's family be comforted by the knowledge that Ray touched so many people in a positive manner. God bless you Ray and thank you for your service.

Ray was born in Almond, NC on March 29, 1936 to the late Dora and Byrd Jacobs. The family moved to Bryson City when The Fontana Dam was built. He and his dad were baptized in the creek together. That day was always very special to Ray. He moved to Jacksonville in the early 1950's and lived in Mandarin until 2000 when he moved to St. Johns County.

Ray was devoted to his family. To know him, was to love him. He will be remembered for his warm smile, his humor, always placing others before himself and unending love for his family and friends. He had many jobs over the years and his talents were immeasurable. He could always fix anything that was broken. His hands were one of his biggest assets. He could hold a tiny baby or help build an addition onto a church; hold a child's hand and make them feel safe or repair a car. His handshake was a bond not to be broken. Ray fought stomach cancer in 2009 and was cancer free. Due to all of his medical conditions he lost the battle and his body grew too tired to fight anymore. We are so thankful for the time God allowed us to have him to love and be loved by him.

Ray joined the Jacksonville Fire/Rescue Department in its early years helping to grow it to what it is today. He was in the documentary "Sirens in the Night" about the early stages of the fire department. On January 1, 1979 he was among the first group of professionals ever officially certified as paramedics by the state of FL. He received many awards for his service. In 1972 he received an award from the Salvita Corporation for saving a life by using the "Choke Saver." He was the first rescue unit man to use this instrument. A painting hung in Memorial Hospital that included Ray along with other members of the Fire/Rescue personnel. Due to chronic back and heart problems, he had to take a medical retirement in 1991. He always regretted having to retire.

He was a faithful, dedicated husband to Rachel for 43 years. They were married May 2, 1975. They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome to Alaska and around the country. On May 6, 2000 they renewed their wedding vows at Fruit Cove Baptist Church where they are both members.

He was a wonderful, loving dad to Raymond Clinton (deceased), Connie (Troy) Jenkins, Mike (Ginger), Jerry, Candy, Nathan (Teri) Jacobs, and Jason Phillips. He was an adored "Poppy" to 16 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Ray was so happy to be a four generation family and have so many named after him. It's a good name, be proud! He was a loving brother to LeaVena Corbin and Betty Hoffman (both deceased), and Sue Soffield and JB Jacobs. He was predeceased by several step-siblings. A Visitation Celebrating Ray's Life will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin where Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018. Interment to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Ray and his family are appreciative of Community Hospice for their care and allowing him to be home, they ask that memorial gifts and donations be directed to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or Support.CommunityHospice.com or a charity of your choice.