For 38 years, he had been the chairman of the annual Chautauqua County 4th of July Celebration Committee.

Tim passed away in June of this year – and his family decided they wanted to do something tangible in his memory. The memorial was dedicated recently, with a bench installed on a concrete base by Chautauqua Lake near the lighthouse and a revolving light installed at the lighthouse as well.

On Saturday, Jacobson’s family gathered at the lighthouse to celebrate his life and legacy, and dedicate the light and bench. Mayor Rick Syper also joined them. The lighthouse light was the brainchild of Tim’s brother Mike Barnes and the bench was the idea of Tim’s widow, Rita.

Rita noted that in Lakeside Park, there is a bench in memory of Tim’s late son Barry. She thought a bench in her husband’s memory would be perfect.

Tim Jacobson passed away June 18, 2024.

“He so loved his family and his community. I just think that was a very fitting tribute for him,” she said.

With the lighthouse, Barnes noted that years ago there used to be a light inside, but that stopped functioning. He thought a working revolving light would be very appropriate.

Also, Jacobson worked for Lighthouse Grocery for 42 years.

“Lighthouses often hold historic meaning within a community, serving as iconic landmarks that reflect the traditions and values of those who have lived and worked in their vicinity. As this lighthouse shines over the area and people enjoy the nice bench while taking in the beautiful view of Chautauqua Lake, a part of Mayville’s history is noted,” he said.

The property where the bench is being placed is near the Mayville Depot.

Tim Jacobson’s great grandson Maddux, is pictured holding his grandfather’s photo with some of his family. A revolving light has been installed at the top of the lighthouse in Tim’s memory.

According to Barnes, in 1934, Tim’s grandfather, Ira Davis, was a member of the Mayville Village Board at a time when that board purchased the 12 acre parcel of lakefront property from the Pittsburgh Ice Company. This property is now Lakeside Park, so Barnes noted how appropriate it is to have a bench placed there, along with the rotating light, in Tim’s honor.

Tim loved serving his community, especially with the Independence Day celebration.

“In his capacity as chairman, his patriotism, dedication to his community, and desire to demonstrate his love of country kept him focused on providing the area with a fantastic celebration each year,” Barnes said.

Jacobson was a proud veteran, having served in Vietnam. He was active in the American Legion and the VFW.

The family hopes everyone can come and enjoy some time by the lake. Both the bench and the lighthouse will have plaques stating the revolving light and the bench were installed in Jacobson’s memory.

Mayville Mayor Rick Syper, standing left, is pictured with members of the late Tim Jacobson’s family by the bench that was installed in his memory. Submitted photo