Thomas “Tom” Emory Jacobsen

Thomas “Tom” Emory Jacobsen, 65, of Salt Lake City, passed away on 02/18/2025 at Intermountain Medical Center.

Tom was born on 12/24/1959 in Salt Lake City to Wilford Jacobsen and Barbara Jacobsen. He was the middle child between his older brother William “Bill” Jacobsen and little sister Ann “Annie” Jacobsen. Growing up, Tom spent his days with close family and neighbors.

Tom and Melodie’s journey together began in 5th grade, when they first crossed paths with Barbara as their Room Mother. Over the years, their bond grew from friendship to a deep, lasting love. In 1978, following a memorable trip to Snowbird with friends, they began dating. After 10 years of building their relationship and a strong circle of friends, they married in 1988, surrounded by the warmth and encouragement of their loved ones.

Their family began in 1989 with the birth of CJ, followed by Michael in 1993. Early years were spent living with Tom’s parents while they worked toward their dream of owning a home. In 1994, they found their first house, a place to call their own. When Bobbie arrived in 1998, they realized it was time to find more room, leading them to their forever home in 2000, where they stayed until the end of their journey together.

Through it all, Tom and Melodie nurtured relationships with family, friends, and each other, building a community rooted in love, kindness, and support. Their 37 years of marriage were filled with shared memories, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Tom maintained and fostered connections with cousins, in-laws, and friends, and their growing family added new bonds along the way.

Tom was filled with stories about trips with friends in Vegas or shenanigans they got into, deliveries he made while working for his father, and everything in between. Some of the best memories were shared around a campfire, with a solo cup of whiskey in hand, as Tom regaled us with “secrets” from the past - occasionally getting the group of men in the circle into trouble with their wives.

Tom was known for his booming voice, generosity, unforgettable hugs, and immediate care for whoever he met. He would include everyone in everything he did, ensuring no one ever felt left out. Tom warmly welcomed his children's friends and partners into his life, extending his kindness and support to them as if they were his own, always ready to offer guidance, love, witty banter, and a fatherly presence to anyone who needed it. Tom immediately enfolded the partners of his children, Kristen and Sara, into his close circle, accepting them and showering them with the same affection, warmth, and concern like they were his own children from the start. Many of his children’s friends became a part of the family to Tom and Melodie and viewed as their own, including: Andrey Bhaskar, Catherine Bhaskar, Michael Kitchen, Kieth King, Joseph “Shaggy” Henline, Bryce Pulver, Josh Manglesen, Mason Mostoller, with countless others included in the fray. Tom showed his love to the many he took in with his knowledge and vast ability to tell stories that were as detailed as a small novella (those who know understand).

Tom dedicated his career to his true passion, acting. Tom was in multiple plays across Salt Lake City’s many theatres including such productions as “The Lisbon Traviata”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “Dracula”, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, “Scapino”, and “King Lear” to name a short few. He was an actor for many movies and commercials including movies such as Disney Channel’s “The Luck of the Irish”, “The World’s Fastest Indian”, “SLC Punk”, “Halloween 5”, “Deadly Invasion: Attack of the Killer Bees”. Tom worked on television shows such as “Touched by an Angel”, “Promised Land”, and “Ancient Secrets of the Bible, Part II”. Tom was also a voice actor meaning many know his voice from Fresh Market commercials (“Just look for the cart in the A”). Tom also dedicated over 25 years working as a local actor for the Sundance Director Labs. Sundance was the place that rejuvenated this love and artistic expression every year where he worked closely with many friends.

To pay the bills of raising a family, Tom also ran his own business “Jacobsen Specialties” by repairing, installing, and maintaining spas, hot tubs and pools. This led to many professional relationships that would quickly evolve into close, meaningful friendships. His passion for acting and providing for his family was evident to all who knew him, and he found joy in his professions and value within the relationships of those he worked with.

Tom was a passionate man who exemplified true masculinity. Having worked blue collar trades, he fit in with the roughest of men and exemplified the polar opposite by not being afraid to show emotion and cry when the moment struck. Tom was loyal to a fault and in many situations personified being the man that is “Ride or Die”. Tom was quick to help and even quicker to make someone smile, often preferring to spend a night making jokes and engaging in as much banter to fill the hours as possible. He was the epitome of a “family man” and his family and friends will forever cherish his open heart, stories, and complete support no matter the situation.

If there is one thing to remember about Tom, it is his hugs. He hugged his mother the same way he hugged someone he just met. He pulled them in and made them feel safe with a strong embrace, exemplifying love for all. While the names and stories are countless, those who knew Tom will forever carry the legacy of the love, laughter, warm embraces, and the impeccable community he built.

He is survived by his wife Melodie Thomas Jacobsen; his children Christopher “CJ” Jacobsen (Sara Christian), Michael Jacobsen (Kristen Loomis), Barbara “Bobbie, Bear” Jacobsen; his family animals Kilby, Pietro-Thumper “PT”, Squirt, along with many chickens and ducks; his mother Barbara Jacobsen, and siblings William “Bill” Jacobsen (Lucy), Ann “Annie” Jacobsen (Lea Lyons), and countless friends both near and far who will continue to honor his legacy. He was preceded in death by his father Wilford Jacobsen.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 7th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Wasatch Lawns with a Celebration of Life to follow. For those that join, please feel free to wear colors to help represent the vibrancy of Tom’s life. To watch the recorded service, please click on the Watch Service button above.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to donate to help with any unexpected expenses, contributions can be made via Venmo to @melodie-jacobsen.

Please join us in lifting a glass to cheers and celebrate the life of this incredible man, Tom Jacobsen.