At 2 a.m. on May 17, 2023, the world lost a wonderful, talented soul. David Jager (68) died in his sleep at his home in Eureka.

David was born in Eureka in 1955. He was the fifth child of Frank and Fredia Jager. He attended St. Bernard’s school and graduated with the class of 1973. Shortly after high school and encouraged by his good friend, Father Tom Devereaux, he entered St. Mary’s Catholic seminary in Kentucky and began his studies to become a priest. After two years he returned home convinced that the priesthood was not his calling. Once back in Eureka he attended College of the Redwoods and briefly Humboldt State University. During this time he obtained his EMT certification and became a member of the Eureka Volunteer fire department.

In the late 1970s he earned his commercial truck driver’s license and began his career as a long-haul truck driver. He traveled all over the United States and had many stories to tell about the various cities he visited and adventures of driving in New York City. Dave was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed his many trips to the Gulf Coast and Florida, where during down time from driving truck he could dive in the warm waters.

During his early teen years David was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 54. He completed several 50-mile summer hikes with the troop in the Trinity Alps and Marble Mountains.

In his youth David was an accomplished rock climber and mountaineer. He completed numerous climbs in Yosemite, the Trinity Alps, the Sierra, and the Cascade mountains of Oregon. When he was home his practice ground for climbing was old Patrick’s Point State Park (Now Sue-Meg State Park). He and his brother pioneered many of the climbing routes still used today. His climb of the Grand Teton in Wyoming was a proud moment in his climbing career.

David had Native American roots. He was a tribal member of the Citizen Band Potawatomi. His ancestry on his mother’s side was the Bird Clan of the Degraff-Navarre families.

In his retirement he operated a lawn care business to keep active until his health failed. He was a caring person and donated to many charities both on the local level and nationally.

His brothers and sisters would like to give a special thanks to Hospice of Humboldt — especially Robert, who cared for David in his final days.

David was a lifelong bachelor and was predeceased by his father, mother, and his younger brother Paul.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers: Dora Kaliamos, Patty Roberts, Dot Wentworth; Frank, Michael and Adam Jager.

A memorial service will be held later this summer.

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