To the family of MGYSGT. Hager - my most sincere condolences!
Then SSGT. Hager was a DI in a platoon within the same series I was in as a Private in 1970 at MCRD San Diego.

As a Senior DI, he had incredible leadership skills and a sense of humor that we enjoyed throughout the series, something generally not seen or felt in boot camp.  I respected his style and manliness from day one.

Years later when I returned as a Captain/Major to MCRD San Diego, I got to know  MGYSGT. Hager well, at that point he was the Chief Drill Instructor at DI School.  I had also been on deployment to the Mediterranean while a rifle company commander and S-4 officer while then MSGT. Hager was the Combat Cargo Officer.

The point of all of this is that Jim Hager was a leader, a very smart and accomplished man and from the many tributes I see from his time at the MMA, he continued have incredibly positive influence on young Marines and others.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but believe me, he is in heaven calling cadence and taking care of all who need care.

See you again Jim and thanks for being a standout in my life.

Semper Fi 
Frank Duggan
Col. USMC Ret.

This man, saved my life.  Mission accomplished sir.  My heart rests with his family.

This was a man of Honor and Integrity.  At the MMA, we feared him sometimes but knew that he would treat us fairly and equally.  After the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, he would grill each cadet a steak while wearing his pink bunny slippers.  He was a great and selfless man that I won't forget.

I am  very. sorry afor your loss, staff sergeant hager was my drill instructor from dec 28 1969  plt. 3231 3rd. bn. besides my step father , he was the only man I greatly admired  and feared at the age of 17 teen years old.  even at the age of 71 I still think about him from time to time , love you all and may God bless each and everyone of you.  😎

Jim Hager was my DI at MMA, and had a huge impact on me that has influenced my life a great deal. We didn’t talk much after I graduated but  not a day goes by that that i haven’t thought about him or his amazing character.  May he rest in peace. 

I feel blessed to have known him and am sad to hear of his passing. He was such a great mentor to so many of us. He will be missed by all. 

Words can't express the profound impact that Jim Hager had on my life and the lives of so many others.  The phrase "father figure" doesn't even begin to describe how we saw him.  He was a rock in our lives when we needed it as young men.  He taught us the right way.  He taught us to be tough, but fair.  He taught us to be funny but firm.  He taught us to look after the little guy and to punch the bully in the throat.  His sayings still echo in my head even after decades of having not seen or spoken to him.  He was a great man and will continue to be a legend.   May he rest in peace and be welcomed into heaven with open arms.   My condolences to Nancy and Eric and the rest of the family.  

I am so blessed to have had him as a father figure in such an importance time in my life.  The Net Positive effect that he instilled into this world is a story that would have infinite chapters. The life guidance that “Dad” instilled in all of us young men under his guidance and care are the same lessons that I instill in my daughter today. I truely don’t think he ever knew how much I appreciated him and how important he was in my life. The 2 greatest men in my life are My grandfather Captain Cam Harrell and MGySGT Hager “both Marines, both I consider my fathers.” Love you Master Guns, Semper Fidelis and RIP Sir! 

Bill and I send our prayers to the family.  We were honored to entrust our son to MGnyS at MMA.  I smile when I think of him in his bunny slippers and that he loved the song “Saturday Night at the Movies” by the Drifters.  A life well lived…


James Hager had a huge impact on my life during and after I attended MMA. Although he was not my company Drill Instructor, I looked up to him like a Dad when he coached me on the Drill Team.  He helped me navigate my teenage years and his wisdom helped mold me into the man I am today. I still use the basic leadership principles that he taught me in my job as a Fire Captain and in raising my three kids.

Although I haven't spoken to him in nearly 30 years, I felt a profound sadness when I heard he passed. The Marine Corps and the Marine Military Academy lost a true Legend. 

Thanks for always being there, Master Gunny.  I'll see you on the other side.

This man had such an impact on my life as my first Drill Instructor at MMA. May he rest in peace. Semper Fi. 

Mary. Christopher and I will miss Jim.  Christopher and I will always have our memories of Master Guns.  We send our love and prayers to you all.

Michael 

OBITUARY

James W. Hager

October 4, 1946 – August 4, 2023

Heavenly Grace Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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