Richard Alger “Jake” Jacobs, born April 19, 1949 in Alexandria, VA, died on April 8, 2025 in Sunset Beach, NC of unknown causes. He passed away at his home, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy; his sons, Jason, Rusty, and Nicholas; his daughter-in-law, Rachel; and his three grandsons, Marcus, Benjamin, and Anderson.

“Coach Jake” spent his life in service to others, especially children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. He was the chairman of Special Olympics, Northern Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Falls Church, Herndon, & Vienna) during an era of extraordinary growth in the number of athletes served and sports offered. He spearheaded the development of Virginia’s Challenger Baseball program, allowing young children with disabilities to participate in Little League style competition for the first time in the region. Still active today, Challenger baseball allows children to participate in sports at a much earlier age (as young as 4), while pairing them with other children, “buddies,” that not only help accommodate play, but learn that difference is never an insurmountable obstacle.

A master at planning large events, recruiting volunteers, and handling endless paperwork, he could be found many nights in his basement home office – what his family semi-affectionally called “NASA” – reserving soccer fields, planning the next track and field meet, or scheduling games for the thousands of athletes he worked with for nearly 30 years. He received numerous accolades for his commitment, including the Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Award for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Like all the best coaches, he taught more than just the game. For Jake, sports were a place where every child could be seen, celebrated, and a part of something bigger. His athletes learned to believe in themselves because he never treated them any different, holding them to the highest standards of the game and of themselves. And for all those privileged enough to be on the sidelines, Jake helped teach an entire community of parents, volunteers, teachers, and friends that all people are worthy of equal dignity and respect – not just through words, but the simple, everyday kindness that defined his love.  

A devoted husband and a selfless father, Jake was forced to go to the beach too many times given his dedication to family. He never did turn that car around, but his sons each gave him plenty of reason to do it. And in return, he did everything they ever asked of him. He loved nothing more than when all his children were together in the house, sharing laughs and trying – unsuccessfully - to beat him in a game of cards.

He could never keep the garage clean, but there was perhaps nothing else he could not teach himself to do. After his father died, he left college to take over his family’s paint and wallpaper store, H.F. Jacobs. There, he earned the admiration of local artists from Washington, D.C. for his ability to frame and elevate their art. After 67 years living in Virginia, he spent his final years surrounded by wonderful new friends in Sandpiper Bay, with frequent trips to Maine to help fix up an old farmhouse and visit his grandbabies. For all the twists and turns of life, he confronted them head on, with determination and his own unique sense of humor.

He will be missed.

A celebration of Jake’s life will be held in June.