Obituary of James W. Hager Jr.
James William Hager, Jr, 76, of Canandaigua, NY, passed away early Wednesday morning on December 11, 2019 at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, NY after a battle with Melanoma Cancer. He was surrounded by his loving daughters.
Born March 13, 1943 in Hartford, CT he was the son of the late James W. Hager, Sr. and Audrey Rieger Hager.
James grew up between Long Island and Stephentown, NY. He was a survivor of the 1944 Hartford Circus fire where he lost his mother at the age of 16 months. He spent the majority of his childhood with his paternal grandparents and many uncles, aunts and cousins. He later moved to Gardiner, NY for many years and finally to Canandaigua, NY
He was enlisted in the US Army from 1962-1965. The majority of his career was spent as a tractor trailer driver. During his later years, he was involved in many VA programs.
James was a kind and loving soul. He touched many lives with his gentleness as well as his active zest for life. He loved the outdoors and had many activities that he enjoyed. He was a long time member of the Shawangunk Runners Club and ran many races including the NYC Marathon. He enjoyed biking, kayaking, hiking and cross country skiing. At the age of 74 he learned how to downhill ski with lessons provided by NYS OASIS.
Survivors include his daughters Victoria Hager Delavan of Wallkill, NY and Laura Hager DePuy of Gardiner, NY, His 5 grandchildren; Ashley Hager Bollen, Brian Bania, Cassandra Bania, Lillian DePuy and Olivia DePuy, and 2 great grandchildren; Myla Bania and Theamara Bania. In addition he is also survived by loving Aunts and Cousins.
There will be 2 memorial celebrations of his life. One to be held at the Canandaigua, NY VA in February (exact date to be determined) and the 2nd near his daughters’ home in Ulster County, NY (exact date to be determined).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society.
