John James Yager, 88, a long-time resident of Fort Morgan passed away at the Colorado Plains Medical Center on November 9, 2009. John was born at the family home 2 miles north of Deer Trail, Colorado on September 6, 1921 to Reggie & Elizabeth (Jolly) Yager. He graduated from Deer Trail High School in 1942. He worked on the family ranch until he married Helen (Shouse) Yager on December 31, 1944. The couple moved to Fort Morgan in December of 1946. John was always self employed, and provided custom hay grinding, cattle and crop spraying services over the years. He also operated a cow-calf operation south of Fort Morgan before selling out in 1974. Prior to that John had joined his wife as co-managers of a Sears Catalogue Sales Merchant store in Fort Morgan. They shared in that business for 22 years until retiring in 1991. John had many interests and was active in Colorado Farm Bureau, receiving the life-time achievement award in 2000. He was a charter member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and a life-long Republican elected to serve as the Chairman of the Morgan County Republican Party, 1960-1966. Other interests included the life of the United Presbyterian Church and election to the governing Session, Toastmasters International, and self improvement training through Dale Carnegie. He also enjoyed gardening, wood working, creating stained-glass window decorations, reading and keeping up with current events. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen, and three children, Linda Boeck of Sahuarita, AZ, Jeri Price of Apple Valley, MN, and J. Corey Yager of Aurora, CO. Surviving family includes Marjorie Wood of Texas, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, and a baby brother, William Rex. A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 1 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church in Fort Morgan. Inurnment will follow at the UPC Columbarium. Memorial gifts may be made in John's name to the care of the United Presbyterian Church of Fort Morgan.