James Yaeger, Branson West, MO, son of Peter and Martha (Schwein) Yaeger, was born December 15, 1943, at Bazine, KS, and departed this life on September 29, 2024, at the age of 80.

On January 29, 1972, James was united in marriage to Carely Wanker. They made their home in Ness City, KS for many years until they moved back to WaKeeney. Then, together they moved to Branson West, Mo to be near family.

Over the years James answered to many names, but most everyone knew him as Jim. He grew up in WaKeeney, KS, graduated from Trego Community High School and in his early years he worked at the local drugstore serving up milkshakes.  He also worked at his uncle's pool hall.  He then attended the Kansas School of Barbering in Wichita, KS and returned to WaKeeney to cut hair at the pool hall for a few months until he moved to Ness City, KS and started barbering in 1963.  He continued serving Ness County and the surrounding communities as their barber for 55 years until he retired at the age of 75 in 2019. He truly cherished all of his customers throughout the years.

He was a longtime member at Our Redeemer Lutheran, Ness City, KS, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, KS, and Lifesong United Methodist Church, Reeds Spring, MO.

During his free time Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman.  Jim enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with family and friends to the Rocky Mountains.  He also spent time motorcycling, skiing, bowling, golfing and attended more sporting events that anyone could ever count!  Everyone would know when Jim was at a ballgame as he hooped and hollered for his beloved Ness City Eagles and all of his grandchildren's events as well.  Jim belonged to Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the High Plains Gravel Grinders, along with the Ness County Trap Club.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Martha Yaeger, one son, Brian Gernald Yaeger, and his only sister, Marlene Yaeger Marciel.

He is survived by his wife, Carely Yaeger of Branson West, MO, two daughters, Andrea (Larry) Romeiser, Cape Fair, MO, Cindy (Alex) Rufenacht, Reinbeck, IA, and one son, Peter James (Maggie) Yaeger, Omaha, NE, grandchildren Bailey (Paul) Shaffer, Branson West, MO, Shayla Rufenacht, Branson, MO, Dawson Yaeger (girlfriend, Allie Anding) Omaha, NE, Aspen Romeiser, Fayetteville, AR, great granddaughter Jacey Jade Shaffer.  Along with nieces Julie, Kelli, Angie, Heather, Kim and their families.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, Oct. 12th, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, KS.

His family is accepting memorials for the Ness County Historical Society, Ness City, KS and LifeSong UMC, Reeds Spring, MO.

The service will be live-streamed via the Bethlehem Lutheran website, located here: https://prairiefaith.com/worship/bethlehem-lutheran-church/