Bruce Jacobson

Dr. Bruce Jacobson, passed away Friday, January 13th. He was an amazing father, husband, doctor, educator, and friend.

He was born in St.Paul, MN and lived his childhood in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. At 17, he joined the Navy to fight in WWII. While in the Navy, an officer on his destroyer became very impressed by this poor kid from Wisconsin. After the war, he convinced this young man to move to Fort Worth to pursue an education at TCU.

Dr. Jacobson graduated with honors from TCU and Baylor Medical School. He came back to Fort Worth for his residency at John Peter Smith Hospital. He was fortunate that a famous Fort Worth female physician took him under her wing, and she was a great mentor. Her name was Dr. May Owen.

Bruce met Pat Morrow and they were married in 1947 until her death in 2004. Lynn, Jan, Julie, Bruce, Michael, Jennifer and Eric were their children.

In the late 50's, Dr. Jacobson along with several partners- opened a clinic in North Richland Hills. Dr. Pillow, Dr. Rush, and Dr. Jacobson were the doctors to many families in Northeast Tarrant County. They built Glenview Hospital which later became North Hills Hospital.

During his time in private practice, Bruce became very active in the community. He spent 11 years on the Birdville ISD Board of Trustees, including one term as President. He was the team doctor in the 70's for Richland High School Football. He also was active in the Haltom Richland Chamber of Commerce and was recognized with their top award. He was active in the development of Peace Lutheran Church in Hurst. He invested in office and residential real estate, and he served on the board of the Bank of North Texas.

He left private practice to work for Southwestern Medical School. He ran the largest family medicine program in the nation for over 10 years in the mid 70's and 80's where he trained hundreds of family physicians. He was President of the Tarrant County Medical Society and president of the staff at John Peter Smith Hospital where he was the recipient of many awards and recognitions as an accomplished physician.

Bruce and his wife, Pat, were very active in Republican politics. In the 70's, he helped craft many party platforms. In 1982, President Reagan appointed him to the President's Commission on Biomedical Ethics. He also served on a U.S. Commission for Child Abuse and Neglect.

After retiring, he moved to Hillcrest Ranch in Teague, Texas and raised Appaloosa and Thoroughbred horses. He loved to golf and was very proud of his two holes in one.

Governor Rick Perry appointed him as an Admiral in the Texas Navy to name one of his many recognitions.

After Pat's passing, he married Linda Morrow. They have had over 15 years together. They enjoyed traveling around the country in their motorhome. His last long trip to Northern Wisconsin in his motorhome was just over 4 years ago. They also spent many nights enjoying Texas state parks.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Jacobson and her children, Melanie Burchfiel and Melissa Hester. His brother Don, his children Lynn McCrary, Jan Jacobson, Julie Blum, Bruce Jacobson Jr., Michael Jacobson, Jennifer Ward, and Eric Jacobson. He is also loved by over fifty grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents Alfred and Emma Jacobson, his late wife Patricia Sue Jacobson, his siblings Inez Williams , Joyce Thompson, and Roman Jacobson.


On Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. a Live Stream of Dr. Bruce Jacobson’s Celebration of Life will be viewable here https://video.ibm.com/channel/23847896/video/3peact