John Yager

John Gerard Yager passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at the age of 80.  He was born March 9, 1939 in New Orleans, LA, and was the son of the late Gerard Joseph Yager and the late Elizabeth Mahoney Yager. He was also predeceased by his dear sister, Ellen Yager Menesses. John was a graduate of Holy Cross High School and a proud Ragin' Cajun, graduating from The University of Southwestern Louisiana.  He was a dedicated employee of Shell Oil Company, working as an IT Supervisor for 34 years until his retirement in 1998. He also proudly served in the Air National Guard for 20 years. John has been a resident of Kiln, MS for the past 30 years.
John had a passion for boating, spending his retirement on the Jordan River, on his boat, "The Four J's." He said, "The best moments of my life were spent on my boat." Years were spent water skiing on the Pearl River with family and friends. He loved Mardi Gras, and could be heard playing his trumpet for years in the Courtyard of the Maison St. Charles, where so many Mardi Gras seasons were spent with family. He was a former member of the Downtown Irish Club and enjoyed marching with the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club and the Celtic Highlanders with his son. He was very proud of his 10 years of Perfect Attendance at his daughters' dancing revues.  He loved the New Orleans Saints and enjoyed years of being a Saints season ticket holder with his children. He had a passion for running, and passed this on to his three children. They enjoyed many races together through the years, and most especially enjoyed running with the Guido Sportif club and performing as a family in the annual Guido Lip Syncs. He also enjoyed years of running with the New Orleans & Gulf Coast Hash House Harriers. He was very proud to stand as his son's Best Man.
John will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather and friend, who will be dearly missed by many. John is survived by his loving companion, Ellen Klotz, his adoring children, Jonelle Fulton (Jerry), Gerard Yager (Karla), and Jennifer Garvey (Paul), and their mother Gail LeJeune, his grandchildren, Kyle Fulton, Meg, Mary Cate, Patrick & Jack Garvey, and Eivy Belle Yager, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including his Godchildren, Robbie Menesses, Michelle Nichols, and Emily Reuther.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the visitation at Most Holy Trinity, 9062 Kiln Delisle Rd, Pass Christian, MS 39571, on Monday July 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at The Biloxi National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life Memorial Party will follow at a later date, to fulfill John's wish, "I don't want this to be a sad time. I want everyone to celebrate the great life I've had. I want a party, with a keg."
In lieu of flowers, John has requested masses, donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or donations to a charity of your choice.