Jonathan Everett “Johnnie” Jacobs was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky, on May 26, 1973, to Ronnie and Charlene Jacobs. He was raised helping on his family farm with his sister, Jennifer. He was a graduate of Scott County High School and attended the University of Kentucky.

Johnnie began his career in firefighting as a volunteer and then became full-time with the Georgetown Fire Department in 1996. During his career, he moved up through the ranks as a firefighter, captain, and eventually battalion chief. He was an advocate for the health and safety of those working with him, implementing a physical fitness circuit training program to do while on shift. He loved serving his community and made it his priority to make sure that all the firefighters that worked with him made it home safely to their families at the end of every shift. He believed that training was important to be prepared for whatever happened at any time.

In May of 2018, Johnnie began having symptoms of a rare lung disease that was deemed to have been acquired during his more than 20 years in the fire service. He eventually had a double lung transplant. After more than seven months in the hospital he was released to come home. He had multiple medical issues related to the disease, the transplant, and stress on his body during his illness that plagued him until his death on January 9, 2020. He left behind his wife of 13 years, Katie; daughter, Isabella (10); twins, Hunter and Sadie (6); and dog, Macy. He is missed dearly by his family, fire family, friends, and community.

Johnnie loved all things outdoors. He was a farmer. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and golf. He was a huge University of Kentucky sports fan! He was funny and kind. He loved watching sports, the Sopranos, and the Andy Griffith Show. He was a bourbon enthusiast. He loved his friends and family fiercely. He believed in doing things the right way even if it was the hard way. Absolutely nothing is the same without him here on earth, but we believe he watches over his people from above, continuing to support those he loved most.