Edward Norman Jacobs, Jr, 75, passed away February 9, 2023, in Chesapeake, Va., surrounded by his wife and children. Ed was born on April 16, 1947 in Portsmouth, Ohio to Edward and Ruth Jacobs. As a child he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. He was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds baseball team and the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Ed also enjoyed going to the weekly auto races at the local tracks in Ohio with his father, and even regularly accompanied one of the drivers as an adolescent. Ed graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1965.

Upon graduation from high school Ed was accepted at the Ohio State University, where he enrolled in the Army ROTC. In 1968 Ed married Donna Cook, also of Portsmouth, Ohio. He graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1969. Upon graduation Ed began his commitment to the U.S. Army. He served for just under three years. His duty stations included Fort Lee in Petersburg, Va. and Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pa. Ed was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1972. In 1972 Ed began working for Norfolk Western Railway, which later became Norfolk Southern. Ed was a dedicated second-generation railroader. He retired in 2014 with 42 years of service. Most of that time was spent in the Labor Relations Department. Ed was well known and respected throughout the company for his knowledge and fairness.  While with the railroad Ed and Donna lived in Portsmouth (OH), Roanoke, Cleveland, and Chesapeake (VA).

Ed loved spending time with his family. He and his wife participated in bowling, golf, and softball.  He coached his children’s sports teams and attended many of his grandchildren’s events. There were many memorable family vacations, countless dinner outings, and innumerable impromptu gatherings.

Ed was predeceased by his parents Ruth Charles Jacobs in 2011 and Edward Jacobs Sr in 2016.

Ed is survived by his wife of 55 years Donna Cook Jacobs; his children Tracy Jacobs, Christy Jacobs Smith, and Jason Jacobs; Son-in-law Scott Smith; Daughter-in-law Cathy Eyrich Jacobs; Grandchildren Bailey MacDonald, Haley Smith, Jacob Smith, and Jessica MacDonald.

Ed will be dearly missed by his family.