James Richard Hager Sr., aged 95, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, in Christiansburg, Virginia. He was born in Bluefield, West Virginia to James William Hager, and Rella Bowling Hager, on August 21, 1929. He was a graduate of Bluefield High School and inducted into the Army. After serving, he went on to become a steel worker for the mines, working in the temples, for many years. James spent the entirety of his life in Bluefield, West Virginia, and he loved the mountains. He enjoyed driving around and taking in the scenery. He also enjoyed tinkering with and fixing things, helping anyone who would ask, with nothing in return. James found great joy in the sound of bluegrass music, and he loved watching television, especially Fox News, and any type of sports game that was on.

He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Hager and sister Marie Hager.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters Kathy Ayers and Terri T. Hicks; son James R. Hager Jr.; sister Carrie "Maxine" Bailey; brother Raymond "Bud" Hager; Grandchildren include Angela Petershein, April Ayers, Dustin Hicks, and Ociana Hager; and 5 great grandchildren.

A service will be held for James R. Hagar Sr., Wednesday, June 9, 2025 at Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, in Princeton, West Virginia. Visitation will begin from 12-1, the funeral service will be held from 1-2, and interment will follow.