It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John E. Jacobson, the first Executive Director of NAFTM. John joined the association in 1986 after having served in the North Dakota Attorney General's Gaming Division for several years. John, along with Dick Tessier, were the founders of the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) and John was a regular and active participant in NAGRA until he left NAFTM in 1996. During his tenure at NAFTM, the charitable gambling industry experienced tremendous growth. John was instrumental in facilitating that growth, while always keeping in the forefront of his efforts the importance of gambling regulation. John helped develop the NAGRA standards on Pull tabs, serving on the inaugural committee, and he was a strong proponent of standardizing regulatory requirements across jurisdictions. In the late 1980's and early 1990's John was a tremendous resource for multiple states as they set up regulatory agencies and adopted administrative regulations.
John was liked and respected throughout the charitable gambling industry; both for his kindness to others and his vast knowledge of the business. A proud Eagle Scout, John lived his live with honor. He was prepared and always did his best. Some of us on the NAFTM board had the honor and privilege of knowing John, not only as a colleague, but as a friend, for nearly 35 years.
Although John has been gone from NAFTM for many years, his legacy can be found all over the county in the multitude of organizations that use pull tabs as a fundraising source from their charitable and community programs. John, hats off to you. We will miss you.