James M. Hagner

James Marshall Hagner, born January 9, 1936, in Elgin, Illinois, passed away peacefully shortly after midnight on January 1, 2026, in his home, with his wife, daughter, and best friend Ollie by his side. He made it into 2026, just shy of celebrating his 90th birthday.

Jim spent most of his working life as a truck driver, a career that suited his independent spirit and strong work ethic. He proudly served as a medic in the Army Reserve and was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis, a time he carried with quiet pride.

In 1961, he married the “girl next door,” Jean Diane Pearson, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 64 years. Jim lived most of his life in the Fox River area, including St. Charles and Elburn/Hampshire, where he built a life centered around family, work, and the simple pleasures he loved. He spent the last ten years of his life enjoying the quaint little farm town of Sandwich, Illinois, a place that fit him well.

Outside of work and family, Jim enjoyed hunting, collecting guns, building and flying model airplanes, reading, and was an avid garage saler who loved the thrill of a good find. He relished his weekly breakfasts with his dear friends, a tradition he always looked forward to. He also cherished time with his beloved labradoodle, Ollie, who was never far from his side.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall Hagner and Ada (Carlson) Hagner.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Jean; his daughter, Kimberlee Hagner-Speelman and her husband, Kelly; his son, Kirk Ulsaer; his twin grandsons, Kiley and Kooper Speelman; and his sisters, Darlene DeWindt and Charlene Thomas, along with many others who were fortunate to know him.

Jim will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a man who lived his life with quiet strength, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com