Jacobson, Richard Orrin "Dick" | Special Collections and University Archives

UNI Position

Philanthropist

Richard Orrin "Dick" Jacobson, 79, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from Des Moines, passed away peacefully in his home in the Clearwater, Florida, area on Friday, April 1, 2016. Dick was born in Greeley, Colorado on October 18, 1936, to Orrin and Ruby Jacobson. His parents operated a retail grocery store in Fort Lupton, Colorado. In 1941, the family moved to Belmond, where Dick attended school until graduating in 1954. There were thirty-five students in Dick's graduating class. During the period from grade school through high school, Jacobson's ambition led him to several part-time jobs, including collecting old newspapers for recycling during World War II. His hard work earned him enough money to pay for his college expenses at the University of Iowa, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration in 1957. Dick then spent three years in the U. S. Army before going to work for Monsanto Chemical Company from 1961 to 1966. He became an independent agricultural chemical wholesaler for two years before founding Jacobson Warehouse Company in 1968.

With the $3500 Dick accumulated from his previous work, Jacobson Warehouse Company was born. Over the years, Dick built The Jacobson Companies into one of the largest privately owned warehouse organizations in the nation with more than nine thousand employees, 194 locations, and thirty-five million square feet across the United States. He expanded the business to include: Jacobson Investment Company, Jacobson Transportation Company, Jacobson Packaging Company, Jacobson Logistics Company, and Jacobson Staffing Company. He also was a significant partner in establishing Hawkeye Renewables, the third-largest ethanol producer in the United States. Dick was an avid sports fan and supporter of Iowa and Iowa State football, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the San Diego Padres, an active member of Chapel By-the-Sea Community Church in Clearwater Beach, Florida,, as well as a philanthropic leader.

He founded the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation in 1976 to support children and educational opportunities in Iowa, the Midwest, and Pinellas County, Fla. Dick's generosity aided in the development of several buildings and facilities at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Grand View University, Junior Achievement's Exchange City, Youth Homes of Mid-America, Youth Emergency Services and Shelter, Special Olympics of Iowa, Science Center of Iowa, and Orchard Place. The foundation has also provided substantial contributions to the Mayo Clinic Proton Beam Therapy Program, Belmond Elementary School, Iowa Hall of Pride, Des Moines Public Library, Iowa State Fair, Blank Children's Hospital, Boys and Girls Club, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Jacobson Culinary Arts Academy, and many more. Dick always found ways to give his time, talent, and financial resources to help others by fulfilling his goal of "making money to give money". Dick's spirit of giving earned him numerous recognitions and awards, including the University Hawk of the Year Award in 1995, the University of Iowa Distinguished Friend of the University Award in 2000, and an appointment as Iowa State University Foundation Governor. In 2012, the Chronicle of Philanthropy recognized Dick as the 12th Most Generous Person of 2011. He encouraged others to live with the spirit of generosity. Dick earned the highest honor an Iowan can receive - the Iowa Award. Created by the Iowa Centennial Memorial Foundation, the Iowa Award represents the state's highest citizen award "to encourage and recognize the outstanding service of Iowans in the fields of science, medicine, law, religion, social welfare, education, agriculture, industry, government, and other public service." Jacobson was presented the award in 2012 by Governor Terry Branstad.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Orrin and Ruby. He was known for his great sense of humor and fascinating stories, his love of people, and his enormous generosity. Dick will be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and his unwavering philanthropic leadership. Celebration of life services will be open to the public on Thursday, April 21, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Marina Cantina, 25 Causeway Boulevard., Clearwater Beach, and on Saturday, May 7, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines. A private ceremony and interment will be held in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's name may be directed to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation at 4201 Westown Parkway, Suite 124, West Des Moines, Iowa 50266.

Richard O. Jacobson Celebration of Life

Richard O. Jacobson Celebration of Life Service to be held May 7, 2016, at the Iowa Events Center. On Saturday, May 7, the Jacobson Foundation Board of Trustees will host a Celebration of Life service in honor of Richard "Dick" Jacobson at the Iowa Events Center. The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. and is open to the public. The open house will highlight Dick's achievements and philanthropic spirit through a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception. Tributes to Dick's accomplishments, awards, and interests will be set up throughout the event space. The Iowa Events Center is located at 730 Third St., downtown Des Moines, and is comprised of Hy-Vee Hall, Wells Fargo Arena, and the Community Choice Credit Union. Parking is available north of the Iowa Events Center with entrances off Third, Fifth and Crocker. For more information on parking and ADA accessibility, including maps, street parking and parking garage details, please visit the Iowa Events Center website at iowaeventscenter.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick's name may be directed to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation at 4201 Westown Parkway, Suite 124, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Prior to the event, the Jacobson Foundation Board invites friends, colleagues, and those who knew Mr. Jacobson to share memories of him through Serenity Funeral Home's online guestbook.