James Michael Yeager

James (Jim) Michael Yeager, 64, passed away at home on March 8, 2024, after an almost 8-year battle with stage 4 cancer.  He was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, but resided for the past 20 years in Freeburg, IL. 

Jim was a huge sports fan, loved all genres of music, was an avid wine connoisseur, and was an excellent grill master. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary (O’Leary) Yeager of Cape Girardeau and his sister Patricia Yeager of Arizona. 

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda (Boettcher) Yeager of Freeburg, IL. Daughter Samantha Yeager (Kristopher) of Columbia, Mo., and son Nicholas Yeager of Freeburg, IL.  Surviving siblings include Judy (Rick) Zerr of St Charles, MO, Raymond “Hank” (Jane) Yeager Jr. of Arizona, and Barbara (Steve) Manning of Arizona.  Mother-in-Law, Carol Boettcher of Belleville, IL. Sister-in-Laws Nancy Clark of Milton, Florida, Judy Boettcher of Fairview Heights, IL, Brother-in-Laws David (Karla) Boettcher and Daniel Boettcher, both of Belleville. A total of 28 nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and a great-great niece. 

Jim served in the United States Air Force right out of high school and spent his time overseas.  When he left the Air Force, Jim worked as an Assistant—manager at Sundeckers for nearly 20 years. As our two children grew, he got out of the bar business and transitioned into a new job focus as Facility Manager at the home office of Bakers Footwear Group. When Bakers closed, he accepted a position as Plant Operations Director at the Atrium in Belleville.  He worked there until he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2016.  Though he battled this disease for years, he worked part-time (when able) at Rosies in Freeburg in the past couple of years. 

I want to give a special thank you to Vitas HealthCare Hospice Nurses and Staff. They were fantastic and helped me ensure Jim’s needs were met. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Jim’s name to the American Cancer Society or Vitas Healthcare—Hospice.  

Jim donated his body to science, so there will not be a funeral service.  A Celebration of Life will be held on April 20, 2024, at the Swansea Moose from 12:00 until 3:00 pm.