John "Big John" Yeager

John Alan Yeager, known affectionately as "Big John," passed away on September 28, 2024, in Gilbert, Arizona, at the age of 64. He went peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, John spent his life touching the hearts of those around him with his fun loving spirit and willingness to lend a hand to anyone he met.

John graduated from Parsippany Hills High School in 1978. His family saw him as a "Mr. Fix it". The original Macgyver. He could fix anything with whatever was in the junk drawer.

He dedicated many years to his passion for driving trucks, a vocation that saw him traveling roads far and wide, often with his daughter Ashley by his side. His love for this work was so profound that he personalized his dump truck with Ashley's name, illustrating his deep connection to family even in his professional life. After moving to Arizona, John worked with at risk youth at Canyon State Academy in Queen Creek.

Apart from his career, John served as a volunteer firefighter for Lake Parsippany Fire Department District 3. Prior to having children, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his boat. His hobbies also included singing karaoke, being the local taxi driver, eating his favorite foods, and watching episodes of "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," but most of all, he cherished time spent with his family.

John's role as a devoted father and Papa was paramount; his children Nicole, Ashley, Ryan, and John Jr., along with his sons-in-law Anthony and Ryan, brought great joy to his life. His grandchildren, Jayden, Leah, Brooklyn, Damian, Allison, Landon, Cody, and soon-to-arrive Baby Skylar, stood at the center of his world. He is also survived by his siblings Thomas (Tommy), Sheri, Robert, and Richard, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Richard, and his Uncle Robert "Pinky".

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 6, 2024, John's birthday, at the Springfield Community Center located at 6495 S. St. Andrews Blvd, Chandler, AZ. The celebration will begin at 1pm. Attendees are requested to use the community entrance off of McQueen Road.

John's legacy as a kind, helpful, and fun-loving man will live on through the many lives he touched. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.