James L. Yager

James Leroy Yager was born on March 16, 1932 in Devils Lake, North Dakota to Frank and Mable Yager. The oldest of five children, he is survived by sisters Shirley Corp, Carol Doyle, Judie Lloyd, and brother Bob Yager. He married Marjorie Maijala in Tacoma, Washington on February 23, 1951. He was extremely proud of his six children, Marilyn (Jack) Walsh, Susan (Doug) Bridges, Beverly (Steve) Stoss, Steven (Lorri) Yager, Donna (Doug) Cottam, Michael (Liesa) Yager, his thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jim enjoyed a successful career as a fire protection engineer, field operations designer and estimating manager. He loved his job and the opportunities it offered him traveling to various locations in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, Texas and more. Jim was very active in St. Ann’s Catholic Church where he and Marge were married 65 years ago, and where all six children went to school. He was on the parish council, served on the Finance Committee as Ways and Means chairman, started the Booster Club and took care of the mowing and lawn care for the Parrish. In 1962 Jim and Marge purchased property on Lake St. Clair where he built a dock and cabin where the family continues to gather and enjoy good times together. Jim and Marge enjoyed traveling to many countries in Europe, to Australia and to Hawaii. They especially enjoyed nineteen winters in their “Little Tin House” in Arizona, where they were active participants in the many social and recreational activities there with cousins Harley and Lil Engen. Jim will be remembered for all the things he built or created, his funny inventions, his passionate political views, his Catholic faith, his love of food, the stuff he burned in the fire pit, his love of music and dancing, the “word find” puzzles he worked daily, his ability to survive multiple serious health issues, but above all, the love he had for his family. Jim passed away peacefully on the evening of August 5, 2016 with his family at his side. The funeral Mass will be on August 13, at St. Ann’s Parish, located at 7025 S. Park Avenue in Tacoma. Rosary will be recited at 12:30 followed by the funeral Mass at 1:00pm and a reception to follow.