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Jim Hager Obituary
Hager was at a coffee shop when he collapsed Thursday, Sam Lovullo said. He said he had been told that by Jon Hager, the surviving twin. Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he had been taken, gave no details on the cause of death.
The twins, who were also guitarists and drummers, rose to national fame as original cast members of the TV show in 1969. With its mixture of music and country-flavored humor, the show was a huge hit.
The fast-paced use of one-liners was inspired by the hugely successful "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" - but with a rural twist.
"People laughed at themselves," Jim Hager said in a 1988 Associated Press interview. "They liked the chemistry on the show and the fast pace."
"They (the jokes) were not all platinum," Jim Hager said. "The writers count on the person delivering the line to pull it off. It was cornball, no denying it."
The Hagers had worked with country star Buck Owens and used his connection to join "Hee Haw" when Owens signed as the show's co-host with Roy Clark.
Lovullo said he was looking for male talent to match the young, attractive women on the show.
The Hagers left the program in the mid-'80s and continued to perform shows together.
"They still maintained that youthful look and carried on like young people," Lovullo said Friday.
"It is a big loss and a sudden one," he said.
The twins were born in the Chicago area. They said in 1988 that they had been together all their lives except for 3 1/2 years when Jon left Los Angeles and moved to Nashville. Jim remained on the West Coast, but finally followed.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
152 Entries
Linda Fish
August 28, 2024
I loved watching Jim & Jon on Hee Haw. They were awesome, sang great & were funny. The world lost great entertainers when they passed.
Wanda Winkler
June 22, 2024
He was awesome on hee haw. God bless both of them.
Twila Myers
May 27, 2024
I loved watching Hee Haw, still watch reruns. Jim and Jon were the best part of the show, together again singing in Heaven. Talented guys gone too soon.
Collette Freeman
May 5, 2023
Godspeed, my friend
How you can show support
Elizabeth Melton
January 9, 2023
I´m so sorry that Jim left this world, I watched him and brother on HeeHaw
CONSTANCE CURRY
January 15, 2020
As an identical twin, myself... and recently losing
my twin sister DONNA
On SEPT 1ST
I CAN RELATE TO THIS.
Twins have an awesome BOND.
MY M GRANDFATHER's MOTHER
WAS AN IDENTICAL TWIN
AND THEIR FATHER WAS A TWIN.
I USE TO WATCH Jim and John
ON HEE HAW TOO.
THEY ARE MISSED.
Joanna Sanders
January 6, 2019
Watching Hee-Haw now & saw Jim & Jon singing. They both were funny & loved watching them. R.I.P. [ brothers]
Charles Macklin
October 20, 2018
My Army buddies at Ft. Knox, KY (1963).
Hi Jon
Barbara Brown
August 19, 2018
Loved watching Hew Haw just to see you. R.I.P
The Connell's
July 22, 2018
We were so sadden
Matt K
June 24, 2018
Just watched them in an old episode of Hee Haw on RFD TV. I used to watch them with my parents and family when I was a kid. They are great memories.
Trav
October 6, 2017
God bless the Hagers. I lost my twin brother in 2006. We grew up watching them on Hee Haw. I'm loving watching them all over again on Utube. The Hagers were the coolest.
Dawna Lilly
August 17, 2017
I Loved Both Jim And Jon They Were Great On Hee Haw They Will Be Missed
Sharon Foster
July 30, 2017
I will miss him I am one of fans I was in the hospital when was little long time ago both brothers came to see us there I was 13 years I was one of kids that had headband and he like it where the hospital was in Lincoln Neberaska
Donny Feagans
June 27, 2017
I'm Donny and have twin Jonny and we sang on the same show as Jim and Jon.We four had a great time. So sad their both gone. They will be missed
Randy Landry
June 21, 2017
Remembering the good shows on Hee Haw.The twins will be missed by all.
Craig Sheffield
October 26, 2016
A great singer, comedian, and musician. He is surely missed.
Terry Whittaker
April 19, 2016
We in our home don't miss hee haw in Kirbyville,Texas and for 40 years watched this even when I was five years old and now I am 51 years old.This is Terry Whittaker and for 40 years we don't miss Hee Haw shows on Sunday nights.
Troy Herman
March 2, 2016
Rest in Peace Jon & Jim. I still watch Hee Haw reruns every Saturday night, and you guys were and still are the best part of the show. My favorite song that you guys performed was "Sunflower". Thanks for the memories.
Robert Homer
February 27, 2016
Loved you guys in Branson. Eat cha box
Tami Price
April 6, 2015
Bless you all you all will be missed
Tami Price
April 6, 2015
we love watching the reruns of hee haw my son was born August 30 1984 you all will be Dearly missed. we love the hager brothers bless the families and thank you all for a great show bless all the families of hee haw brotherly love
July 22, 2014
"Such tremendous talent. You were the Highlight to me on the show Hee Haw. I always looked forward to listening to your Music. You both are greatly missed. Dee Dee
susan smith
May 18, 2014
You guys were so talented.What a great loss. RIP
March 29, 2014
I worked with them both in 1981,82 and 83,at the Hee Haw Theater in Branson,Mo.They were great,great guys.They will both be missed.R.I.P.,Jim.
Denise Nixon
March 17, 2014
I'm very sorry hear about Jim. He was my favorite from hee haw. And John too.
M. e
January 1, 2013
It's just another year without you. Life goes on, but it will never be the same.
~M. e
May 1, 2012
You are missed dearly. Four years later, Nashville is still not the same. Never will be.
don darnell
December 29, 2011
my name is don darnell and i did a show with them in1984 or 85 at the rlds auditorium in independence mo. its 2011 and just found out there gone. we had a blast! time is certainly passing by quickly! stay happy,stay healthy everyone.
G G
November 7, 2011
My mother died in march of 08. I send my condolences to the family of Jon and Jim who were christians and lived it in the country western life. They seemed to be down to earth and like anyone else. I know Jon and Jim are with jesus and they are together again. My mother and father are in heaven and I know I will see them again. To die in christ is gain, they are simply living in a better place full of laughter music worsip and JESUS. I am sad to hear of this since jim and my mother died months apart from one another and in similar ways just about. I know my mother is listening to the hager twins sing about jesus in heaven. heaven is real, life doesnt end after this solong as you know christ as your lord. They did, you could tell in how nice htey were and down to earth, not letting money rule how they lived. My hats off to such moraly upright and awesome guys. My prayer is for Jessyca D Hager, daughter of Jon, and his daugher Amanda. (both Jon's kids), is that even after 3-4 years it's still hard, but life goes on. I pray the same prayer I prayed to god, lord may the cup of grief pass from them, and they all know jesus and let the deaths of there loved ones draw them closer to you. I know how it feels toloose someone suddenly. It is sad, but in christ there are never any goodbyes.
See you on the other side
I will always hold you close my fried
god be with you till we meet again...
I never met you in this life, but in heaven it will be as if we all were family. John and Jim Hager are very much alive in heaven. There arent any goodbyes, only "see ya later" remember god only takes the best..My parents and The hagers, among a lot of others.
Maureen Bell
October 8, 2011
WOW!! That is pretty much all i can say. What can someone say when such great talent has been taken to soon. I had been watching the Hee Haw show here in Ma. and started to look up the whole gang. Wanted to know where they were today and how they were doing. I really was so sad when the first 2 people i looked up were Jim and Jon, and only to find out they both have passed. God Bless all the family and the children. But i think they are eased by knowing how happy they made everybody.
Maureen in Mass.
LORI FARRAR
July 24, 2011
U and ur brother were the best looking of all of HeeHaw comedy show. I religiously watched it. It was a show that even now I wish it was on the TV. But what can I say. I miss the HEE HAW show. I really miss both u and ur brother. MAY GOD KEEP U AND UR BROTHER. GOD BLESS UR FAMILY.
u will be missed. love ya on hee haw
carol hermann
June 7, 2011
May 1, 2011
Hey friend. Stopped by to pay my respects. It was dark, cloudy and rainy today. I still had to come. I met the woman that was leaving flowers for her best friend recently killed. He was given the purple heart. There were three women in despair, over the loss of a son that killed himself after returning home three months ago. I know you would have taken time to console them, so I did. They remembered you and as usual, the mention of your name brought a broad smile and fond memories. I laughed and cried. You are so missed. It has been three years, and it does not get any easier. Best Love, M. e
Jim Hager - Aug 30 1941 ~ May 1 2008
M. e
April 9, 2011
The late (almost always late) Jim Hager-Nora Rodriguez & Jon Hager
M. e
April 9, 2011
You three take good care of each other.....
I will see you in three weeks. It is hard to believe it has been three years. Cup of Joe you ask? Always.
Nashville will never be the same. But the memories, oh the memories!
Jim & Jon celebrating their last "earth birthday" 2008 at Maggiano's with friends.
May 1, 2010
May 1, 2010
When we are silent, we can still hear the music and laughter.
You are dearly missed and loved more.
~M. e
April 20, 2010
Thanks for the ice cream, Jim.
M. e
March 16, 2010
There is no death. Only a change of worlds. Chief Seattle
JimMartinJnDale@ChrisHustons
March 16, 2010
March 16, 2010
Jack the "Wonder" dog. friend. companion
March 14, 2010
March 14, 2010
Jill Denmark
February 28, 2010
I loved Jim and I miss him so much. Years ago, I persuaded Jim into adopting a grumpy "unadoptable" dog nammed Winston..Jim called him "Winnie." When "Winnie" died, I brought my dog Jack over to comfort Jim...to fill his empty arms...just for a little while, but Jack was home..."home" was Jim. Jack became the "Wonder Dog!"They were together until Jim's death. Jim told me that Jack had never really been my dog...I was merely keeping him until the time was right. Jack is with me now...he fills my empty arms...Jack the Wonder Dog...but, oh how he misses his master!
Mary Isbell
September 22, 2009
I was so sorry to hear about Jim.
I fall in love with him jim and jon when i was Ten.The only reason i watch Hee Haw was so I could see the men of my dreams.You'll always be in my heart rest in peace .
love your fan Mary Isbell
August 30, 2009
Thinking of you on your birthday...always thinking of you...
STEVE BAUGHMAN
February 2, 2009
GONE NEVER FORGOTTEN BY US ALL TIME HEE HAW FANS
Connie Scott
January 10, 2009
I always enjoyed watching them on HeeHaw and was so saddened to hear of His passing. And then today to hear his brother passed just breaks my heart. Will miss them both. Really enjoyed them in our lives and what they brought to all of us.
Cheryl Landin
September 2, 2008
I enjoyed them on Hee Haw. He will be missed.
I always thought they were so cute.
holly payne
July 3, 2008
my grandmother, allene baker wiley was a first cousin to ms francis, i can remember francis & jack visiting nettleton & spending time with my grandparents always bringing pictures of the twins and sharing lots of tales.. when my grandmother passed away i spoke with francis and have since lost touch we were so sorry about jim... the family of allene baker wiley... sherry ann & holly... nettleton ,ms
John Pfeifer
June 1, 2008
Hi Jon,
So so sorry for the loss of a great
old friend from high school, the
service in Germany and don't forget
Pandy's in Park Ridge. All your old
buddies from the neighborhood send
their deepest sympathy.
Love you guys forever, your friend
and barber (Fifi)
John Pfeifer
My Home Thanks Giving 1993 Mount Juliet TN
Larry Paradise
May 9, 2008
Jim was a very cool guy, I enjoyed having the twins in my studio and producing them and writing a song for them with Charlie Barrett " Stranger In My Mirror". I loved the skit they did to that song and I enjoyed managing them for a shrot while. I will miss Jim and he will remain in my prayes, Im sure he has Saint Peter laughing up there right now. John I love ya man, I very sorry for your loss.
Angela Partin-Stone
May 7, 2008
My sympathy and prayers. I will never forget your charisma, sweet personality, and your gentleness toward me and others. I will never forget our "smothers brothers" one-liner. Thank you for being a part of my life.
c y
May 6, 2008
Rest in peace Jim. You will alway's be remebered.
Candice
May 6, 2008
I would like to send my sincere condolences to your family. At difficult times like this its very important to draw closer to God. I hope these scriptures help comfort you: John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:4. My prayers are with your family.
Paul G. Dover Sr
May 6, 2008
Grew up watching Hee Haw. You made alot of people smile. Rest in peace Jim. Tell Buck I said hello.
Marcia Beverly
May 6, 2008
Dear "Chaps"... our time together was so much fun, laughing and living the dreams we had... with friends like Dudley and Butch and many others... thank you for being the one that could always make me laugh out loud, and smile inside... I will miss you and the world will be a bit sadder without your humor... Love, Marcia Beverly
Annie Minor
May 6, 2008
Jim, May you rest in heaven and save a space for me. I enjoyed seeing you every time you two came to the Sunshine Oprey I will have the C.D. and your pictures to keep the memories of you alive. Remeber the time I told you twins apart by looking at your eyes at the Sunshine Oprey Rest in peace
Kenny Roberts
May 6, 2008
To the Hager family It is with deep saddness to hear of Jims Passing.I remenber our meeting on the Hee Haw Show such a fine young man .
Kenny Roberts
Evelyn Wruck
May 6, 2008
Jim, You will be missed by all of at the Sunshine Opray In Eustis Fl.we never missed your shows and will miss the great times we had together Evelyn Wruck Winter Springs Fl.
Dayle Robinson
May 6, 2008
I am deeply sorry for your loss. He will be missed. I watched you guys on Hee Haw all the time. I lost my twin sister May 17th 2007 and its is a loss no one can imagine. Just remember the good times you had with Jim.
PHILLIP WHITLOCK
May 6, 2008
REALLY ENJOYED YOU ON THE HEE HAW SHOW , THANKS FOR LETTING US GET OUR MINDS OFF THE WORLD TROUBLES FOR A WHILE
Mindy Derenberger
May 6, 2008
To The Hager Family,
A great childhood memory for me was watching Hee Haw on Saturday nights when the Hager Brothers would come on and sing. Jim will be very much missed. I will pray for your family, in this time of sorrow. We will see him again someday. Love and Prayers. Psalm 23.
MELISSA JONES
May 5, 2008
TO BAD ALL THE TIMES I WENT TO NASHVILLE I NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO SEE THE HAGER TWINS PERFORM.JIM IS GONNA BE DEEPLY MISSED . MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO JOHN AND THE HAGER FAMILY...
Shirley SPeed
May 5, 2008
I loved to watch them when I was a young girl. My Grandpa and Dad had the show on no matter what. Jim Hager was one of my favorites. I just lost my Mom Saturday the 3rd. I know your pain and sorry, and I send my Prayers and Love!
DARIN JONES
May 5, 2008
JIM HAGER IS GONNA BE DEEPLY MISSED.I WATCHED THE HAGER TWINS FOR YEARS ON HEE HAW AND YOU GUYS WERE VERY TALENTED.MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO JOHN AND THE REST OF THE HAGER FAMILY DURING THIS TIME OF THEIR LOSS...
michael de Bills
May 5, 2008
I played Piano in your band in the 80s God I love you guys A the news of jims passing is really hard.
God bless you Jon If anything I can do let me know you two were two of the best bosses a musician could ever hope for in life I love you Jim so long [email protected]
ONE OF YOUR BIG FANS !!!!!
Renee' Gladwell
May 5, 2008
Jim will be sorely missed!!! We enjoyed watching the two of you together!! You were a Hoot, and were great musicians and singers!!!
Renee' Gladwell
Council Bluffs, Iowa,
Raleigh, NC
Dudley-Brian Smith
May 5, 2008
When I came to Nashville in 1983, Margie Barton introduced Jim to me and we became fast friends. We lived down the hall from each other at Close Quarters. We hung out everyday, went to parties, sat around and sang together, and just a lot of living. Jim was easily my best friend and almost like an older brother. His ready wit and amazing laugh was enough to lift spirits and send them soaring. Jim was unpretentious and charming - honest and sincere. We talked a lot about music. Along with other friends like Marcia Beverly, we seem to be living in a fun, storybook world with music at the center. We were all searching for something and the camaraderie of our little group, with Jim as the ringleader, made awesome memories of those days. I have always been very saddened that we lost touch and have tried several times over the last years to reach him through management and other channels. Now, after all these years, I feel a deep and abiding sense of loss - yet, I will always treasure those memories and the knowledge that we were really great friends and really supported each other in some difficult times. I remember laughing until we cried and listening to some songs over and over and over. I can picture those spring afternoons sitting outside Close Quarters with friends and Jim's smile as big and bright as the afternoon sun with that glint of mischief in his eyes. There was a lark coming and you just had to brace for it. What a grand time! What a great friend. Jon, you and I only knew each other slightly in passing, but your brother was to me like my own. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers and remember Jim in my music. As I, too have a career of singing with my brothers and other family, the connection is one I feel strongly. Next performance, I'll dedicate a song to him and to you. May God bless and keep you.
Robyn Leonard
May 5, 2008
I grew up watching ya'll on Hee- Haw....you were the guys I had a crush on. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May god be with you!
Denny Johnston
May 5, 2008
Going to miss that great smile!!!!
Peace, Bro!
Mi Martin
May 5, 2008
Jon & The Hager Family,
I loved to watch you guys on Hee Haw and anything eles you were on.
I being a twin can't imagine the pain
of losing the other. May God wrap his
arms around you so that you may
feel the presence of Jim.
GLORIA VASSY
May 5, 2008
Dear Jon, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's transition. I still remember the two of you back in the 60's at Ledebetter's when Kin and i met the two of you.So funny and talented and i coud never tell you apart. He and Kin are making beautiful music together.
Sincerely, Gloria Vassy
West Hollywood, Ca.
Beverly Randolph
May 5, 2008
To the Hager family, especially Jon, I am so sorry for your loss. I watched Hee Haw each week and enjoyed Jim and Jon very much. He will be sorely missed.
karen zadrovec
May 5, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the Hager family. I grew up watching the He Haw show and remember the Hager twins. Such talent. God Bless
L R
May 5, 2008
Hee Haw was on my television set in my home each week in Danville,Kentucky and we loved it.Sympathy to the family.Jim was a great star.
Gerald Schmidt
May 5, 2008
To the Hager family
What a shock to hear of the passing of a wonderful talent. My parents and I were big fans of "Hee-Haw" for so many years. Whenever I was down in the dumps, those one-liners always seemed to pick me up and helped me to forget my troubles. Rest in Peace Jim. You will truly be missed by everyone whose lives you touched with your wit, humor and song.
Carol and Lee Smith
May 5, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in your personal and public family. Your gave us such joy when you were performing and just talking with fans on an individual basis. We thank you for that. You will be missed -
Debra Ellis-McGregor
May 5, 2008
Hello,
My sympathies to the Hager family. I grew up watching HEE-HAW. I am 41.
"We love the time we spend with you to share a song and a laugh or two-May your pleasures be many your troubles be few."
Boots Harris
May 5, 2008
Jon, We are so sorry for the loss of Jim.We remember you both from Baumholder,Germany. You were stationed there with my husband"Harry" as all of you called him.Thanks for the "stairwell" concerts. Boots&Kenneth Harris
Rachelle Tullos-Hudgins
May 5, 2008
My family and I are sorry for your loss. Jim along with the rest of the cast gave us East Texas folks lots of laughs. From a small town named Apple Springs Texas and only one channel on the T.V. We looked forward to Hee Haw night. Rachelle age 38. Thanks for the laughs.
Missy-Jo Black
May 5, 2008
I will miss Jim so much. I grew up watching Jim and Jon on Hee Haw. My love and prayers go out to Jon and the rest of the Hager family at this time of sorrow.
May 5, 2008
Jim was another one of the great ones May he rest in country heaven
Barbara Mills
May 5, 2008
May the GOD of tender mercies comfort you and may HE wrap his arms around you to strengthen and help you.
Velma Mayeux
May 5, 2008
To the family and friends of Jim Hager I was a big fan of hid when was on Hee Haw so I hope he is making the angels smile in heaven.So Rest In Peace.
Laura
May 5, 2008
My condolences to the Hager family. I have many fond memories of me & my family watching Jim & Jon on Hee Haw when I was a little girl and even got the chance to meet them when I went with my Mom to the "Calf Scramble" here in Meridian, many years ago.
Susan Thomas-Clark
May 4, 2008
You were one of my favorite stars on Hee Haw!! I will never forget your talent, your kind personality and your charm. You and Hee Haw are my fondest of childhood memories!! May God bless you!!
Karin Woods
May 4, 2008
I am saddened to learn of Jim's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting both Jim and Jon many times in the late 1960's and early 1970's. My dad was Buck Owens' pilot and I got to go with Dad and Buck to many venues where the Hager Twins appeared.
Being a teenage girl at the time I of course had a huge crush on both of them and never could decide which one I liked better!
My heart goes out to Jon and the rest of his family at this time. I will play their music tonight and remember the good times.
Rest in peace Jim and say "hi" to Buck, Don and Dad for me.
Steven Webb
May 4, 2008
Jim will be missed. I have watched he along with his brother for many years on Hee Haw. He was a fine actor and great singer.
Diana and Terry Case
May 4, 2008
Our condolences to the Hager family. Jim and Jon were a joy to watch on tv. Jim will be missed
teresa chester
May 4, 2008
sorry for the loss...Thanks for the memories! luved them both
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
May 4, 2008
My favorite was Hogans Heroes.
Thanks for the memories Jim.
Shirley Willoughby
May 4, 2008
Another good one gone to soon. Jim will be singing in heaven with Buck Owens and the rest of the country singers that have gone on. May God Bless Jon and the rest of Hager family.
Gerry Stepherson
May 4, 2008
Jon and family: My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. I met you both when I was 18 and am proud to say that I am now 57 and still a fan and most importantly a friend. I have so many wonderful memories of my trips to see you both all over the country. Thank you for your friendship and smiles.
Love and Prayers,
Gerry from "Boston".
TIM R. LENZ
May 4, 2008
THE HAGER'S WERE A STAPLE OF HEE HAW, IT WOULD'NT BEEN THE SAME WITHOUT THEM.JUST LIKE BUCK AND ROY THEY WERE HEE HAW. ONE OF A KIND.
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