James Richard Yaeger

James Richard Yaeger 80 of Lewistown died Friday morning, February 13th, 2026, in the Central Montana Medical Center after battling Parkinson's disease for over 20 years. He was born June 29, 1945, in Lewistown the son of Charles Frank and Esther Judith (King) Yaeger, Sr. Joining his two big brothers. He attended grade school in Glengarry and graduated from Fergus High School in 1963. He operated a ranch near Lewistown.

He was a member of the Montana National Guard, Lewistown Drag Racers Association, DeMolay and was proud to be a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge #139/37 of Lewistown and the Central Montana Shrine Club, the Shrine Klownz, and York Rite.

In his spare time, he enjoyed going from yard sale to yard sale. With his good friend Jim DeVille. Looking for his next treasure, to fill his green pickup, just a little fuller (or Betty's house).

He is survived by his incredibly special sister-in-law Betty Yaeger; nephews Ronnie Yaeger, Corey (Angie) Yaeger, Bradley (Tina) Yaeger, Christopher (Gisele) Yaeger and niece Brenda (Bart) Wilson. Many great and great great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Charles F. and Rosie Yaeger, Jr., brother Larry Yaeger, niece and nephew Cynthia (Rodney) Thompson, nephews Chuckie Yaeger, Nick Wilson, great niece Kayla Thompson and great nephew Austin Wilson.

Celebration of Life for James R. Yaeger will be Thursday, February 19th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Cloyd Chapel, cremation has taken place as he wished. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are invited to make memorial donations to Friendship Lodge #37 A.F. & A.M. of Lewistown, the Central Montana Shrine Club, or any charity they prefer. Donations can be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family can be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.