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James Walton Hagelgans, age 86, of Vicksburg, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Optalis Health and Rehab in Three Rivers.
He was born July 22, 1938 in Three Rivers, the son of Walton and Delilah (Hacker) Hagelgans, and attended Centreville and Colon schools, obtaining his GED while in the Army. During his youth, he enjoyed bike riding into Centreville. One of his chores was to take the cow herd down to the river in the morning and back at night. During his teenage years he worked for many farmers in the area including Herb Carls.
Jim served his country in the United States Army. During his service, Jim received a Good Conduct medal, Sharpshooter, and Marksman awards.
He worked for 36 years at Simpson Paper. During his time he worked in several departments and was promoted to supervisor. He worked for Hagelgans Heating and Cooling, which was owned by his brother Ken, and eventually his nephew, Michael, for more than a decade after he retired from Simpson Paper.
Jim married the love of his life, Janet Owen, on June 24, 1961. In warm weather they enjoyed sitting in the swing in the front yard talking to the neighbors, going for ice cream, and taking drives to look for deer.
He was a member of Center Park United Methodist Church. Jim served as a Trustee for many years. He mowed the lawn at the Church and the Parsonage.
He enjoyed woodworking. He made toy trucks and doll beds for his grand kids, among many other wood projects. He was continually tinkering in his shop and barn. He loved spending time with his Grandchildren.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Janet Hagelgans; daughters, Judy (Richard) Fruehauf and Jami (Jeff) Fruehauf; grandchildren, Nicole (the late Doug Lindsey), Aaron (Abagail), Meagan (Dillon), and Hannah; great-grandchildren, Kylee, Bryanna, Radley, Ziggy, and Kirsten; sister-in-law, Sarah; nephew, Michael; and niece, Gayle.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walton and Delilah; brothers, Kenneth and Frank; and sister, Darlene.
His family will receive friends on Monday, July 7, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Center Park United Methodist Church, 18662 Moorepark Road., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 at the church, with Pastors Marty Culver and Matt Oliver officiating. He will be laid to rest in Vicksburg Cemetery.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Center Park Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Hohner Funeral Home.
