Richard Ernest Jager

1946 - 2024

Richard Ernest Jager

June 24, 1946 - Feb. 28, 2024

NAPA - Richard passed away at home on the morning of February 28, 2024, of congestive heart failure. His death came after a very long bout of trying to recover from an October 2022 surgery.

Rich was born in Concord, CA, on June 24, 1946, to Ernest and Anna May Jager. He grew up with his sister Susan in Walnut Creek and graduated from Acalanes High School in 1964. He attended Chico State for two years, and in 1966 he married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Nummi, (divorced in 1973). In 1967, he joined the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1969.

He continued his education at Sonoma State and graduated with a BA in sociology. He then worked for the Contra Costa County Corrections Department as a Juvenile Counselor. In 1970, he was offered a job by Albay Construction, where he worked in petrochemical companies. He really liked this new career and often said: "constructions isn't a job, it's a lifestyle." Later he made the decision to attend JFK Law School in Orinda at night and received his JD in 1977. Though he decided not to pursue law, he found his degree very helpful, with contracts and negotiations, especially in his capacity as VP at UCI Construction in Martinez.

In 1986, Rich met Joan Stewart when he was invited to a Bible study group by a coworker. They married in 1987 at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, where Rich previously taught Sunday School. In 2002, they made a big decision and planted a vineyard on their hillside property. Rich's dealings with the county on permits, etc. led him to get interested in Napa politics and in 2008 he was appointed as planning commissioner by Harold Moskowite, he later ran for Supervisor.

Rich was an avid reader and loved to fish, hunt, golf and ski and was a big Raider fan. His favorite thing though was trout fishing, which he loved to do at Bucks Lake in the Sierras. He and Joan stayed in rustic cabins on the lake, where he could tie up his boat and fish early and often. Rich was an active member of the Napa Elks, Moose and American Legion. He loved the camaraderie of the clubs and also talking with friends at River City where he used to carry a pocket version of the New Testament and was given the name the Bible Thumper. Richard retired in 2018 after managing the expansion of the multi-million dollar project at Gallo Winery in Livingston, CA.

He was predeceased by his father, mother, and sister, Susan. He is survived by his wife Joan; daughter, Lynne DiGennaro (Tim); and sister in-law, Sylvia Gandolfo and her children.

Those who new Rich were familiar with his outspoken nature and dry sense of humor, but he was also generous and good hearted. He loved the Lord and is with him now.

His family would like to thank Providence Hospice for their care and compassion for Rich.

We invite his friends and family to join us for a celebration of life at 11:00 AM on April 6, 2024, at the Fairview Pavilion at Kennedy Park Golf Course, 2295 Streblow Dr., Napa.

Anyone wishing to make donations in his name, his favorite charities were Salvation Army and Mercy Ships.