Randy “Red” Jager, 72

Randy “Red” Jager, age 72, of Imlay City, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy. Born on February 11, 1953, in Port Huron, Michigan. Randy was the beloved son of the late Lewis Raymond and Jean Lois (Hoeksema) Jager.

Randy’s roots in Imlay City ran deep, having spent all of his life there. He graduated from Imlay City High School in 1971. His love for the game of basketball lasted a lifetime, and he shared his passion with others, coaching basketball programs in Imlay City for over 40 years. His influence on countless young athletes earned him the affectionate nickname “Papa J” from many of the players whose lives he touched. He often adopted them as his own and not only coached them on the court but also encouraged their academic success in the classroom year round. Imlay City Board of Education thanked him for his service in 2012 by naming him “Thumb Friend of Youth”.

In addition to his basketball coaching, Randy shared his passion for sports with his daughter, Ashley, by coaching middle school track and field alongside her. This special bond between father and daughter was a testament to Randy’s unwavering commitment to both his family and his community.

Randy attended Central Michigan University before returning home to work in the family business, Hoeksema & Jager Farms, where he would go on to be a dedicated vegetable farmer. His work ethic and commitment to his trade were unparalleled, and he later worked for Van Dyk Farms and Pirrone Produce. In addition to his farming work, Randy was involved in the Michigan Vegetable Council and the Eastern Michigan Vegetable Market Board.

Randy was also a man of faith and lifetime member of Imlay City Christian Reformed Church. As a coach, he was a member of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan in which he was inducted to the Assistant Coaches Hall of Honor in 2015. But it was his family, especially his wife, Lori ‘Lu,’ whom he married on November 26, 1977, and their children, Ashley (Chad) Halsted and Jordan Jager, who were the center of his world. His love for his grandchildren was evident to all who knew him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Later in life, Randy developed a love for golf, becoming an avid golfer who appreciated both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie it brought. He also enjoyed traveling abroad, taking the opportunity to explore new places and cultures with Lori, adding even more memories to a life already filled with rich experiences.

Randy was a man of integrity, compassion, and humor who believed in the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the power of a positive attitude. Whether he was coaching a basketball game, working the fields, spending time with his loved ones, or enjoying a round of golf, Randy’s warm spirit and sense of humor left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; his children, Ashley (Chad) Halsted and Jordan Jager; his grandchildren, Jackson, Emma, and Ava Halsted; his sister, Valerie (John) Wuori; his brother, Brian (Linda) Jager; his brother-in-law, Dan (Theresa) Godo; and his in-laws, Bill and Sally Wildner, Randy (Myra) Wildner, Bill (Colleen) Wildner, and Jill (Jerry) Cavellier. He is also survived by seventeen nieces and nephews, many devoted former basketball players, and countless friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and generosity.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Jean Jager, and his sister, Sally Godo.

A celebration of Randy’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Imlay City Christian Reformed Church, 395 N. Cedar St. Pastor Alex Snider will officiate.

The family will receive visitors at Imlay City Christian Reformed Church from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, and from 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 3. The family will also be available for visitation from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, prior to the funeral service.

If you plan to visit on Wednesday, honor Coach by wearing your Imlay City Spartan gear.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Imlay City Christian Reformed Church.

Randy’s legacy of love, dedication and service will continue to inspire all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends and the many young athletes whose lives he touched.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City.

Please sign the online register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share your memories and condolences with the Jager family.