James Mager

James Mager 89, formerly of Sedona, AZ and Crown Point, IN passed away peacefully on August 27, 2020. Jim was preceded in death by his much adored wife Valerie. He is survived by his loving daughter Karen (Patrick) Hearne of McKinney, TX, loving son Michael (Mary Church) Mager of Seattle, WA, cherished granddaughter Stacy (Mike) Howlett of Chicago, IL, loving step-grandchildren: Joseph (Dawn) Raker and Tiffany (Jeremy) Irving and 3 step-great grandchildren. Also surviving are a sister Lois Schillo of Cedar Lake, IN, sister-in-law Georgia Mager of Sun City, AZ and brother-in-law Donald Harle of Munster, IN as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jim grew up in Schererville, IN but his heart belonged to Crown Point, IN. As a young man he worked on a farm in Twin Lakes, WI and served two years in the Marine Corps. Deciding that he would not be able to have his own farm, he returned to Crown Point and worked as a roll turner at Inland Steel for 32 years. At Inland, he met his wife Valerie who was the love of his life. They were married for 57 years before she passed in 2016. They raised their family in Crown Point before retiring to Sedona, AZ where they happily lived for many years. Last year, Jim moved to McKinney to be closer to family.

Jim was a social person who never knew a stranger. He kept in touch with people no matter how long ago they met. He was involved with Babe Ruth Baseball in many capacities for 24 years. Jim loved farms and restored antique tractors in his retirement. He was fascinated by tractors, engines and most especially trains. He traveled back to Indiana many summers by train to be on the farm, participate in a long haul tractor ride, and visit family and friends. He was president of the Arizona Flywheelers for many years and enjoyed running their annual show.

Jim had many loves, the first of which was his wife Valerie. But he also loved John Deere, baseball, jazz music, and a good dark beer. He enjoyed reading about deep space and was interested in science, geography and nature. He was a unique man with varied interests.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Stonebridge Ranch Assisted Living for providing Jim with a loving home for the last year and for being there for him during the long Covid-19 lockdown.

Private services will be held in Sedona, AZ. Contributions in Jim’s honor can be made to the Crown Point Community Foundation https://www.thecpcf.org/, the Humane Society of Sedona https://humanesocietyofsedona.org/ or a charity of your choosing.