PARK CITY — James (Jim) Douglas Hager, 66, unexpectedly passed away July 11, 2026 at his home in Park City, Kan. He was born June 23, 1960 in St. John, Kan. James was raised in St. John and graduated high school in 1979.

James was employed by Dold/Hormel Foods in Wichita, Kan. for over 30 years in the Quality Control Department and retired in July 2021. He was proud of his accomplishments and overjoyed that he could retire at the age of 62.

He was a member of Word of Life Church, Wichita, Kan. His passion was the gospel and his church. James touched countless children through his puppeteering ministry. With creativity and heart, he transformed marionette puppets and familiar characters into engaging biblical stories that captivated young audiences. Puppeteering is a rare craft, and James practiced it with skill, imagination, and genuine care. His legacy lives on in every child who laughed, learned, and felt God’s love through his performances

He is survived by his mother, Kay Hager Glover (Richard); and a sister Julie (Hager) Hash (Steve), Grand Junction, Colo.; nephews, Ryan Hash, Grand Junction, Colo., Travis Hash (Kelly) Montrose, Colo.; a niece Mindy Willis, Platte City, Mo.; three grand nephews and two grand nieces. He was preceded in death by his father J.D. Hager Jr.; grandparents, J.D. and Mary Hager, and John and Lola Maddox.

Funeral Service will be at noon Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Minnis Chapel, St. John, Kan. with Rev. Nick White presiding. Visitation will begin one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in Fairview Park Cemetery, St. John.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 34

St. John, KS 67576

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 16, 2026