James Bruce Hager, Lieutenant-Colonel, United States Army (Ret.), 78, of Alum Creek passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Bruce was a beloved and dedicated husband, devout and loving father, loyal and caring son, a protective brother and uncle, a dependable friend and mentor, and an all around fantastic guy. A successful businessman with humility and honesty, he always had a shoulder to cry on, a good “dad” joke, money to slip in your pocket or the very shirt off his back. He was a child of God, embodying faith, hope and charity. As a soldier and officer, he was exemplary. His word was as good as gold.
Bruce was born in Bulgar, WV, the first of five children to Mary “Brownie” Egnor Hager and Arlen Hager, but he had the dubious distinction of being born at home, which is now family lore. As an Army brat, he and his siblings traveled and lived France and Germany. These experiences bonded the family as a tribe, and Bruce became the protector of his siblings. It was there, in Hanau, Germany in January 1960, that he met another military kid, someone who would become a lifelong friend and soul brother, Mr. Bill Coiner. Imagine their surprise and delight in meeting each other again in the hollows of Lincoln County as teenagers.
It was also in Lincoln County that Bruce met the love of his life, a Miss Sandra Harless at the time. Bruce and Sandy spent the next 59 years of their lives together. They married on Bruce’s weekend furlough before being deployed to Vietnam. They spent their first year in different countries, and the next 58 years together. She has remained his constant and he has remained her rock.
Bruce was a 1965 graduate of Duval High School, class president, and forged many friendships that still endure. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army, serving active duty from January 1967 to January 1968 in the Vietnam War as a Combat Engineer for 1331 Unit Combat Engineering Battalion, also acting as construction engineer. He was also embedded in the 25th Infantry Division during his tour. His bravery and leadership earned him Unit Commander for the 1331. His commendations include the Bronze Star. Bruce was able to get out days before the Tet Offensive began.
Once relieved of active duty, Bruce and Sandy settled in Ohio, where she was a hairstylist and he worked several jobs while going to school. He was a student at Kent State, during the 1970 shooting on campus.
Bruce and Sandy began their family with a daughter in 1969, moving to Alum Creek in 1973 and having a second daughter in 1975.
He re-enlisted in the late eighties as a drill sergeant, mentoring many incoming soldiers and relishing in PT scores of his own that often beat or rivaled newly minted soldiers half his age. Yet he was a humble guy.
Bruce made his living as a surveyor, both residential and commercial, serving in projects all over this great state. He worked for others and owned his own businesses. He served as Lincoln County Surveyor for many years and made award winning topographical maps. He was proud of his country, of his service to his country, and of his home state in particular. Bruce believed in his community and in giving back, especially to our veterans, who so often go without recognition and resources they deserve. He was a charter member of both the Alum Creek VFW #4768 and the Alum Creek Lions Club. Many times you could find him outside, in various projects of those clubs or Adopt-A-Highway, Lock Four Conservancy, or fund raising.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; his brother, Donald Hager; and sister, Patsy Hager.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Harless Hager; daughters, Tracy Hager McKinney and Stacy Hager Kepple and her husband Billy; grandsons, Connor and Kieran McKinney, Tyler and Max Kepple, sister, Peggy Hager Clymo and her son, Christopher Clay; sister Priscilla R. Hager; and Patsy’s children Rachel Adkins, Eugene “Moose” Van Gundy and Mary Pauley. Along with many more family members, friends and community members.
Service will be 2:00pm, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek with Ron Scott officiating. Military rites to follow at conclusion of the service. Friends and family will gather 2 hours prior to the service. A private burial at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery will occur at a later date.
