Selby Clayton Jacobs

December 2, 2019
Selby Clayton Jacobs

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Chief Emeritus Selby Clayton Jacobs, 85, passed away very peacefully in hospice care with loving family at his home in Basye, VA on 2 December 2019.

 

Selby is preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents Frank S., Sr. and Bernice T. Jacobs; and his brothers Frank S. Jacobs, Jr. and Bernard Jacobs.

 

Selby is survived by his daughter, Melissa Caroline Young of Upperville, VA.; three sons: Bradley M. L. Jacobs and wife, Carolyn of Manassas, VA.; Matthew Selby Jacobs of White Post, VA.; Lt.Col. Jon Michael Jacobs, USMC (Ret.) and wife, Coco of Gainesville, VA.; his sister Barbara Ann Harvell of Newport News, VA, and lovingly remembered by all family members, and endeared by colleagues and friends. Selby was the grandfather to 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

 

Selby was born in Williamsburg, VA on 25 October 1934. He graduated from The Matthew Whaley School, Williamsburg, VA with post-graduate study at James Blair High School and continued his studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA, The College of William & Mary and additional professional education and technical development related to the Fire service and Civil Defense.

 

Selby also served as an instructor on a myriad of topics across the Fire and Emergency service, most notably with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and as adjunct faculty at the National Emergency Training Center, National Fire Academy.

 

Selby was married to the former Carol Lucille Levorsen of Norge, VA for 54 years, having met in their youth growing up near Williamsburg, Va. They married on June 25, 1955, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Norge, Va.

 

Selby distinguished himself through a 41-year career of service to others – progressing from firefighter in Williamsburg through his retirement as Chief, Prince William County Fire and Rescue – and beyond for a short time as the interim Chief for Fauquier County. Selby held many positions at the local, national, and international level with-in the Fire and Emergency Medical Service, such as President of the Virginia Fire Chiefs Association and President of the Virginia Emergency Management Association.

 

Selby served his region as the Chairman, Disaster & Emergency Preparedness Technical Committee for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and his community as Chairman, Board of Directors of the local chapter of the American Red Cross.  He was an American Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resource member, working several national and international disaster events.

 

Selby was also active throughout his life in the Boy Scouts of America, culminating in his being awarded the Silver Beaver for his distinguished service to youth.

 

Selby served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve and Virginia National Guard, receiving an Honorable Discharge having attained the rank of Sergeant First Class.

 

The Jacobs family wishes to express a special thank you to the Blue Ridge Hospice care team, and members of the Orkney Springs, Shenandoah County and Conicville Fire and Rescue stations Volunteer Fire Department.

 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to your local Fire and Rescue departments in memory of Selby C. Jacobs.

 

A visitation will take place on Friday, December 6, 2019 at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA between the hours of 5pm and 7pm. A funeral service will be held at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norge, VA on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 1pm with interment to follow at the church cemetery.


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  • December 05, 2019
    John Bethel says:
    It is amazing when you read someone's obit and realize there was a lot more you didn't know about them than you did! Selby was my Chief for most of my career in the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department. He brought the department a long way from the days of one or two firefighters per station. When he handed the department over it was well on it's way to becoming one of the premier fire departments in Virginia. I certainly did not always agree with Chief Jacobs but then again I am sure he did not agree with things I did (LOL) as I progressed to Lt. in the department but I always respected him. I retired many years ago and moved out of the area so did not see Selby after retiring except on Facebook postings sometimes. Chief I would just like to say you will be missed and you served your community well. Job Well Done!!

  • December 06, 2019
    Deb Oliver says:
    Chief Jacobs made a powerful and meaningful difference in the Prince William County Community. He was a man of integrity and vision. Prayers lifted up in gratitude for his life and in comfort for his family.

  • December 07, 2019
    LT Shawn Beach with Buckhall VFD lit a candle:
    Lit since December 7, 2019 at 12:46:51 AM