Rev. Col. (US Army Reserve) James C. Jaeger—devoted husband, father, pastor, chaplain—died April 1, 2025 at his home in Federal Way with son, Christian, and daughter-in-law, Ann, by his side.  Born March 8, 1932 in Chehalis, WA to Anna (Henrich) and C.E. "Ed" Jaeger, "Jim" grew up in the Green Lake area of Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt H.S. ('50).  His passion for service to God and country would shape his life's journey.
Jim earned his B.A. ('54) in Business Admin. at Pacific Lutheran College (now PLU) where, while singing in the 'Choir of the West', he met the love of his life and wife of 58 years, Connie Hanson ('54).  Upon graduation, Jim's desire to serve his country prompted him to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps in which he served from '54 to '56; Jim and Connie married shortly after his return from duty.  While overseas, Jim made a commitment to serve his Lord in ministry, so he and Connie moved to Columbus, OH where, using G.I. Bill, he attended seminary at Capitol U. (now Trinity Sem.).  Jim was ordained into the Lutheran clergy in 1960 and, having been further encouraged by Navy chaplains while in the Marines, he began formal training as a military chaplain.  The couple returned to Washington State where Pastor Jim served congregations in Douglas-Waterville (United), Burien (Prince of Peace) and Ascension (Seattle), all the while continuing to grow in his role as chaplain in the Army Reserve.

In 1968, after 18 months of volunteering as an on-call chaplain at nearby Children's Orthopedic Hospital (now Seattle Children's) Jim convinced the hospital administration to establish a full-time resident chaplaincy position whereupon he was asked to become the hospital's first staff chaplain.  There, enlisting the help of the Sisters of Sacred Heart Villa, he established a predecessor to the Ronald McDonald House where families of children receiving inpatient care could stay when far from home.  Finally, in 1974, he sought to return to parish ministry, initially working as an interim pastor, helping to guide and build up congregations in transition.  Meanwhile, as a military chaplain he achieved the rank of full colonel, the highest rank possible on the west coast among chaplains in the Army Reserve and the youngest among his peers to do so.  As a parish pastor he went on to serve congregations in Tacoma (Luther Memorial), Youngtown, AZ (Shepherd of the Desert), Chehalis (St. John) and, finally, Federal Way (Christ).

He liked to say that his final act in ministry was officiating the wedding of his son, Christian, to Ann before retiring in 1997.  However, he continued his supportive involvement in ministry well into retirement, preaching when needed, serving meals to homeless, and encouraging and mentoring those considering ordained ministry or hospital chaplaincy.  He remained actively involved in the local chapter of the Military Chaplains Association well into his 80s, recognizing and encouraging ROTC students from PLU heading into active-duty careers as military chaplains.

Alongside his pastoral work and military service, Jim cherished: time spent with his family, adventuring through the western U.S. and Canada in a VW camper bus; retreating to Hood Canal or the Washington coast with wife Connie; going to football games at Husky Stadium, the Kingdome or to wherever PLU was playing; and, fishing or "jawing" with longtime friends.  He had an irresistible sweet tooth, honed over years of sampling baked goods at church fellowship hours.  Later in life, one look at his breakfast plate would prompt the question, "would you like some waffle with your whipped cream?"—indeed, the only way to ensure that he would never go without his favorite topping was for his family to maintain a steady supply of multipacks from Costco.

Pastor Jim will be remembered for his desire to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his strong voice, his unwavering faith, his compassion for those who are suffering, and for his devotion to his family, his country and his Lord.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie (2015), his brother, Bill (1996) and is survived by son J. Christian (Ann), several nieces, nephews and in-laws.

With sadness we mourn Jim's passing from this life; with joy we know that he is now free from pain having been received into life eternal in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"Death is swallowed up in victory!" [1Cor15:54d]
"Thanks be to God Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" [1Cor15:57]
A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, WA at 2PM on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with reception (and waffles) to follow.  Memorial gifts may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church and further specified for Seattle Children's—"chaplains", or for Lutheran Campus Ministry.