Oscar Joseph Jacobs entered eternal rest on Jan. 26. He graced us with his presence for 73 years, 8 months and 12 days. Oscar was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and caregiver.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Flemming; mother, Vivian Sprauve; father, Joseph Jacobs; uncles: Elvie Freeman, Boysie and Mario Connor; aunts: Adelita Scatliffe, Vincenta Pilgrim and Kirlin Lettsome; siblings: Eleanor Plaskett, Lueben Davis and Felecita Sprauve.
Born on May 14, 1950, on St. Thomas, V.I., Oscar spent most of his formative years in Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I., which he credits with learning courtesy and respect, patience, strong work ethics and love of family.
Oscar’s legacy continues with his children: Otishna, Tahira and Virgil; siblings: Muriel Jacobs Manchester, (Dr. Lucien) Texas; Annette Percival, St. Thomas; Clarence Davis (Elris)and Edward Davis (Mae), Maryland; Daphne Davis O’Neal and Haldayne Sprauve, St. Thomas; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In 1967, Oscar graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School and continued his education at the University of the Virgin Islands. He then worked as a counselor in a Home for Boys, instilling those virtues that were garnered in his early life. He later worked as an orderly at Knud Hansen Hospital and continued those characteristics of respect, patience and empathy. As a result, he was constantly praised for having the best rapport with patients, along with having pleasant, respectful engagement with the staff. Further employment was as a prison guard.
Continuing his love of service, Oscar joined the military in 1975. Most of his service was spent in the Navy on the U.S.S. America ship with Mediterranean deployment. The 1977 deployment of U.S.S. America included intensive flight operations and participation in the annual NATO “National Week XXI” fleet exercises and port visits to Italy, Spain and Yugoslavia. Oscar was extremely proud of his military service and felt fortunate for the opportunity to travel around the world three times.
Post-military service, Oscar settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with his sister, Muriel. He was employed with ConAgra Foods and Creighton University. Spreading his wings and skills, as well as his passion for hard work, he earned degrees in welding and auto repair.
Becoming increasingly exhausted of shoveling snow, the many blizzards and severe cold temperatures, Oscar relocated to San Antonio, Texas, also, following the advice of Muriel. He then worked in maintenance at Sea World, earning employee of the month in that department on two occasions, continuing the characteristics of having a strong work ethic, respect and courtesy.
During that time, he was delighted to work part time at the ATT Center, where he was able to serve patrons, along with finding time to watch the basketball games. He was especially pleased to be a spectator as Tim Duncan, a fellow Virgin Islander, earned five basketball championships for San Antonio, and as an employee, received a “facsimile championship ring.”
Despite his quiet and reserved manner, Oscar was always the one person in a crowd who always sought out a stranger and interacted with that person, making them feel welcome.
Oscar completed his love of service to others by working with the Northside Independent School District at Brauchle Elementary, where he was loved by staff and students, until his retirement in 2018.
In 2019, Oscar returned to St. Thomas, his birthplace, to be a companion to his now-deceased, brother, Lueben Davis, and co-caregiver for his brother, Haldayne. He was known for his caring attitude and would give one the shirt off his back, the shoes off his feet, and assist monetarily with the needs of others. He will be missed.
We bid farewell to Oscar, as he is now reunited with loved ones who entered the gates before him. May he rest in heavenly peace.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals, 3192 Altona and Welgunst, St. Thomas. Montage and Reflection will begin at 9:30 a.m.; the memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Caribbean casual attire is suggested.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit our website at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
