Gene Jacobson, 80

Gene Jacobson, 80, "joined the Lord's band" on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, while residing in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Gene was born in Warren, Minn., on Sept. 22, 1927, and was a long time resident of the Hi-Line, living in both Shelby and Cut Bank. Gene graduated from Shelby High School in 1946, and was well known for having played his trumpet in local jazz bands.

Gene was the manager of Big Sky Motors Ford Dealership in Cut Bank for many years before moving to the Flathead Valley where he owned a business in Columbia Falls. After retiring, Gene split his time between the Flathead Valley and Arizona where he enjoyed playing golf and spending time with his family.

Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey; three sons, Terry and Beverly, Greg and Lori, and Jay Jacobson. He loved his grandchildren, Todd and Aubrey, Katy, and Jessica Jacobson; and his two great-grandchildren, Shannon and Tyler, who made his life complete. "The music of his soul lives on in them."

There will be a memorial service to celebrate Gene's life at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, at the Community United Methodist Church in Shelby.

In lieu of flowers, Gene's family asks that donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Gene's grandson, Todd, who is serving his third tour of duty in Iraq. Donations can be made online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or mailed to P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.

Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.