Metrocall’s Jacoby dies in crash of American Airlines Flight 77

Steven D. “Jake” Jacoby, chief operating officer of Metrocall, a wireless messaging company based in Alexandria, VA, perished aboard American Airlines Flight 77 on Sept. 11 when it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon.

Jacoby was en route from Washington to Los Angeles to participate in the Personal Communication Industry Association conference and exhibition, which itself was canceled because of the loss of life and destruction associated with the attacks on the Pentagon and the New York World Trade Center.

“Taken from us yesterday morning was an outstanding father, a loving husband, an incredible and loyal friend, and a creative, dedicated steward of Metrocall,” said Bill Collins, Metrocall’s chairman, on Sept. 12. “Anyone who knew Jake can imagine the unspeakable loss we are feeling. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Metrocall family are with Jake’s family during this difficult time.”

Jacoby, 43, had been Metrocall’s chief operating officer since 1994 when Metrocall merged with FirstPage USA, where he had been chief operating officer since 1988.

Vince Kelly, Metrocall’s chief financial officer stated, “The fact that Metrocall’s technical operating network continued to function and provide critical communications during this horrific event was a tribute to Jake. He was a close personal friend, a leader and loved by the employees within our organization. There are no words to describe the loss this caused and right now our hearts are broken. As a team we are committed and dedicated to continuing the standard of excellence with which Jake embraced all challenges in his life.”

Jacoby served on the board of the Gloria Heyison Breast Cancer Foundation, was actively involved with the Camp Fantastic/Special Love Charity Golf Tournament, George Washington University Athletics, and with Catholic Charities. He also dedicated time to coaching within the Lorton, Virginia, Little League system.

Jacoby graduated from Pennsylvania’s Shippensburg University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Administration. He was a resident of Alexandria, VA, and an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Kim and three children: Nicholas, Jesse and Jenna.