Metrocall Executive Victim Of Pentagon Crash

As COO, Jacoby managed all of Metrocall's sales, marketing, distribution, customer service and engineering areas during a period that saw the company's subscriber-base grow to more than six million and its annual revenue increase from less than $100 million to over $500 million.

by Roy Mark of internetnews.com [September 13, 2001]

Steven D. "Jake" Jacoby, the chief operating officer and executive vice president of Alexandria, Va.-based Metrocall was among the passengers of the doomed American Airlines Flight No. 77 which was commandeered by terrorists Tuesday morning and crashed into the Pentagon. He was en route from Washington to Los Angeles to participate in the Personal Communication Industry Association (PCIA) conference and exhibition this week. There were no survivors in the crash.

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

"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, chairman, president and chief executive officer of the wireless messaging firm. "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."

As COO, Jacoby managed all of Metrocall's sales, marketing, distribution, customer service and engineering areas during a period that saw the company's subscriber-base grow to more than six million and its annual revenue increase from less than $100 million to over $500 million.

Jacoby, 43, held his positions at Metrocall since 1994, when the company merged with FirstPage USA, where he had been COO, vice president and secretary since 1988.

Vince Kelly, Metrocall's chief financial officer said, "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 also initiated several strategic partnerships that complement Metrocall products and service offerings, including AT&T Wireless, Motorola, Aether Systems, Verizon Wireless, Weblink Wireless and other complementary high-tech partners.

Also under his direction, Metrocall integrated more than a dozen major acquisitions into its own operations, including AT&T's Advanced Messaging Division and ProNet, a major wireless healthcare provider. From 1994 to 1996 he was also a member of Metrocall's board of directors.

Previously, as COO and one of the founders of FirstPage USA, Jacoby was responsible for the acquisition and subsequent build-out of the company's exclusive nationwide license.

Prior to his position with FirstPage USA, Jacoby was a principal with Collins and Clarke, Inc., a national communications marketing and management company. During his tenure with Collins and Clarke he helped develop over 20 cellular market systems for various partners.

In 1986 and 1987, Jacoby was general manager and director of operations for Vanguard Cellular Systems, where he managed all field operations, system build-out and budget functions for the company's Pennsylvania "Super System."

He was a director on the board of MNET, a startup wireless application service provider. Jacoby also 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, as well as Catholic Charities. He also dedicated time to coaching within the Lorton, Va., 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 and an active member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

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