As Jim Jacobsen battled cancer, his family and friends prayed for a miracle.
But whenever the Brookfield East High School physical education teacher and football offensive coordinator was asked what he wished for, he'd give the same response.
His goal was achieved when the Spartans won the 2016 WIAA Division 2 state football championship.
"He would simply respond, 'I've got my miracle. We won state,'" said Adam Compton, Jacbosen's brother.
The football and track and field stadium at Brookfield East where Jacobsen spent many days coaching and mentoring young student-athletes was lit up Jan. 2, but there was no game to be played.
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Instead, hundreds gathered in the fieldhouse for a memorial service for Jacobsen, who died Dec. 23 at 39 after a years-long battle with cancer.
"It is something I will never forget the rest of my life," Brookfield East football coach Ben Farley said of experiencing the state championship with Jacobsen. "I’m so thankful to the good man upstairs that I was able to be a part of that with Jim."
The Farley brothers -- Ben and older brother and Brookfield East principal Andy -- grew up with Jacobsen. Andy Farley and Jacobsen were close friends, and Ben Farley was right there with them.
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Spartan at heart
Jacobsen graduated from East in 1996 and began his coaching career under former Spartans head coach Joe Sciortino.
Sciortino first met Jacobsen when he was a student and said bringing him into the world of coaching one of his smartest professional decisions.
"There is a difference between a coach of success and a coach of significance," Sciortino said. "I have been fortunate to share the field with Jim and privately witnessed the championship milestones that defined his successful career.
"Success is something that can be measured in wins, championships, and awards. Sometimes coaches get wrapped up in those measurables. They use kids to build a program and their own individual reputation. That was not (Jim Jacobsen). He used programs to build kids. Jim was truly a coach of significance."
Impact across communities
Jacobsen later spent one season on Bill Young's staff at Catholic Memorial before moving on to Sussex Hamilton, where he was an assistant to John Damato for three years. He also coached Hamilton track and field, serving as head coach for a year even after he first learned of his diagnosis.
"He kept it very private; Jim never wanted to make it about him," Damato said. "He wanted to live his life and do his treatments, and that's just how he chose to do things. He was extremely selfless. You're not going to find a more genuine human being. We couldn't be happier with him winning that state championship and (winning one) as a track coach in the East program, as well.
"Jimmy was at his best when he was at his dry erase board (teaching); that's when he was in his element. I saw it on Saturday mornings (at practices). I'm thankful to have known Jim and to have been part of his life for eight years. Everyone he's come across, he's had a positive impact."
Jacobsen accepted a teaching job back at his alma mater in 2015 and became Ben Farley's offensive coordinator prior to the 2016 state-championship season.
Jacobsen helped the Brookfield East track and field team to state championships in 2011 and 2016 as throws coach. He was the head boys track and field coach at Hamilton in 2015 and also coached basketball at Hamilton and East.
"Two of my biggest highlights in life are that I’ve been able to coach basketball with my brother, Andy, and coach football here with my brother, Jim," Ben Farley said. "He’s a complete embodiment of unselfishness and putting kids first. He’s loving, and the hardest worker you’ll ever find. I have nothing but joy and good memories."
Members of many communities turned out for the memorial service, but especially those from East, Hamilton and Catholic Memorial.
A loyal friend
CMH athletic director Matt Bergan met Jacobsen when both were non-traditional students coming back to school at Carroll University. Jacobsen completed his physical education and health education degree -- usually a 4-1/2 year program -- in just over three years.
"One thing I really respected about him was the work ethic he brought every single day," Bergan said. "I have never met a man that was so passionate about coaching and teaching.
"Loyalty is a dying breed nowadays. It is hard to find good, solid, loyal people that you can count on for anything. Jim was that guy. Jim was that guy you could text, or call and meet up. He was that guy for me that I always leaned on and trusted."
Years back, Andy Farley was living in Menomonee Falls when significant rainfall flooded the basement of his house. Jim was the first one on the scene to help, bringing over his two fans despite living in a non-air conditioned apartment at the time.
"He wasn’t just a good friend, but a great friend," Andy Farley said. "He became an uncle to my children and a dear brother to me and (wife) Amie.
"Even when he was in pain and knew his days were limited, he would send text messages to members of the Brookfield East community, ‘Not great today but will be better. Managing through some tough spots, but I’ll see you tonight.’"
Jacobsen was first diagnosed with cancer five years ago. It struck again midseason during East's run to the state championship in 2016 and came back at the beginning of the 2017 season.
Spartans players began wearing "Jacobsen Strong" t-shirts under their uniforms to honor their coach. The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association named Jacobsen the Assistant Coach of the Year for 2017.
"To be able to come back and coach with Ben and work under Andy, it made his life complete," Bergan said. "I know it for a fact."
First to show, last to leave
Despite his illness, Jacobsen continued to give East all that he had, even if it meant receiving a ride to the bleachers and help up the stadium stands to reach the press box.
"He could have easily said that he needed time away for his health, but to see him keep fighting, keep coming to practices, and keep coming to games when he could barely get up the stands – that’s a fighter," Ben Farley said. "We couldn’t have asked for anything more from Jim Jacobsen."
When East's season came to a close with a Level 3 loss to Brookfield Central on Nov. 3, Jacobsen pulled Spartans track and field coach and former assistant football coach Mike Steiner aside.
He wanted to thank him for always being there.
"There are so many of us that are saying the same thing about Jim today," Andy Farley said. "He’s been our blessing. He’s been there for everything. First to show up, last to leave."