James C. Jaeger

1932 - 2025

James C. Jaeger

March 8, 1932 - April 1, 2025

Federal Way, Washington - Rev. Col. (US Army Reserve) James C. Jaeger--devoted husband, father, pastor, chaplain--died April 1, 2025, at his home in Federal Way, WA. His passion for service to God and country shaped his life's journey.

"Jim" graduated in 1954 from Pacific Lutheran College, where he met his wife of 58 years, Connie Hanson, while singing in the Choir of the West. Following graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps then utilized his GI Bill to pursue theological studies at Capitol University Seminary. He was ordained into the Lutheran clergy in 1960 and began formal training as a military chaplain.

In 1968, Jim notably established full-time resident chaplaincy at Seattle Children's Hospital. While there, with help from the Sisters of Sacred Heart Villa, he opened a facility that allowed families of hospitalized children to stay nearby--a forerunner to the Ronald McDonald House.

Jim also served with distinction as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserve, achieving the rank of full colonel--the highest rank available to chaplains in the reserves on the West Coast--becoming the youngest to do so at the time. As a pastor, he served congregations in Washington and Arizona until retiring in 1997.

In retirement, Jim continued preaching, serving the homeless, and mentoring aspiring clergy and chaplains. He remained actively involved in the local chapter of the Military Chaplains Association well into his 80s, encouraging ROTC students from PLU considering active-duty careers as military chaplains.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Connie (2015), his brother, Bill (1996) and is survived by son J. Christian (Ann), several nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Federal Way, WA, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Memorial gifts may be directed there and designated for Seattle Children's chaplains or Lutheran Campus Ministry. "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15: 54b). "Thanks be to God Who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!" (1 Cor. 15:57).