of Leslie, AR
November 25, 1941 - April 8, 2020
Herwig "Jack" Jaeger, age 78 of Leslie, Arkansas passed from this life on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020 at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. He was born in Landau, Germany on November 25th, 1941 to Hermann George Jäger and Luise Emilie Buchert Jäger.
Jack was raised in Essingen, Germany by his mother and he was the youngest of six siblings. At the age of fourteen, he began his carpentry apprenticeship and became a journeyman carpenter in three years. He spent a few years working as a carpenter before he immigrated to the United States in 1960. He worked as a carpenter until September, 1961 when he joined the United States Army. Jack finished his basic training and was stationed in the Republic of Korea as a medic.
In 1981, Jack and his family moved to Leslie, Arkansas. While in Leslie, he continued working as a carpenter and cabinet maker, opening Jaeger's Fine Woodworking. With a desire to continue serving his adopted country, Jack joined the Arkansas Army National Guard in 1984. As a Sergeant, he retrained as a machinist and was assigned as the Section Sergeant overseeing the work of six soldiers. He served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He retired with over 23 years of honorable service. His most notable medals are his Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, and five Reserve Component Army Achievement Medals. For 15 years, he served with the Leslie Volunteer Fire Department as both, a first responder and as the fire chief. He was active in City Council, as a serving member for 8 years. Jack was a 4-H leader, a member of the Kiwanis Club and a founding member of the Searcy County Humane Society. Upon returning home to Arkansas, he taught at the Vocational School in Leslie until 2007. After teaching, Jack enjoyed his retirement but it did not slow him down. He married his wife, Melissa on April 10th, 2010 at a lovely ceremony in Eureka Spring. He continuously helped his family by making repairs to his wife's clinic, overseeing the building of a home for his son, Jonathan and making repairs to his other son, Eric's woodshop where Jaeger's Fine Woodworking will return. He also loved visiting with family, friends and his dogs. Jack was honored that he brought his grandchildren to Germany in 2014 and 2019.
The people left to continue Herwig's legacy include his wife, Dr. Melissa Taliaferro of Leslie; his children, Jonathan and Dana Jaeger, Ketchen and Rich Duncan, Eric and Mary Jaeger and Baron Crane; grandchildren, Gary and Josie Grisham, Alexander Jaeger, Justice Jaeger, Abby Willison, Nicholas Jaeger, Christopher Jaeger, Michael Jaeger and Ocean Jaeger; great-grandchildren, Shayne Willison and Hudson Grisham; siblings, Helge Kern, Hartmut Jäger and Linda Pless; his first wife and mother of his children, Kathryn, as well as all of his family in Germany and his former students. Herwig is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herman and Herbert; and his son, Kirk.
Herwig Jaeger will be interred at Nubbin Hill Cemetery with immediate family and close friends attending. There will be a celebration of life in the fall for all who knew him. The family invites everyone to sign the guestbook for Jack on the Roller-Coffman website: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall.
I just found out that Jack passed away. I missed seeing him after all these years, I thought I would see him now I'm back in Marshall. Condolences.
I served with Jack in the guard we were good friends. I called him Wolfman. he was always happy and willing to help. I remember trading nails with him during desert storm. somehow he always had good nails. we had to build our own furniture out of scrap lumber. condolences to the family. he was a good man
Mr Jack and his smiling face and quick wit will be missed by everyone who knew him. His family and friends are all in my prayers during this difficult time.
Jack was a joy to be around and a good friend. I am honored to have known him. My condolences and respect to his survivors. Fare well my friend.
My sincerest condolences to your entire family! My love to you all during this difficult time, and always. May you be comforted by your family, and all your memories of Jack! Much love to you all. kit â¤ï¸
Remembering many good times...rest in peace my friend.
Chuck and Susan
Jack was a great person, a wonderful teacher, an ever-present help when others needed it, and a vital member of our community. We will all miss his great attitude and willingness to always help others . Bon voyage, Jack! xxx
Prayers for your family and what a remarkable man. May God, family and friends get you through this difficult time,
Peace and love and hugs to the entire Jaeger family...
It was an honor to work with Jack as a fellow machinist in the 224th maintenance company and later helping in some remodeling jobs. Rest in peace Jack! Love Roger & Paula Estes
Maryah and I served with Jack in the National Guard. I was also a student if his at the VoTech in Leslie. I learned alot from Jack and he will be missed. God Bless
So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my prayers
It has been an honor to have known Jack and to have served with him in the guard several years. He was a good friend and he will be missed by many. Prayers go out to his family.
Tim & Sherian Blough
I will never forget Jack. He was a kind soul who loved his family and friends and made everyone feel special. My favorite memory of Jack is when he was working backstage at The Ozark Heritage Art Center during the time we were practicing for the stage production of "Little Women." He was always smiling and giving encouragement. During a break, he played "Edelweiss" on the piano for us and it was so beautiful that I will forever think of him from now on when I hear that song. Eric, Ketchen and Jonathon, you are all blessed to have loved him and I know you miss him terribly. May God comfort you as only He can. "Momma" Carol to Eric (as my Brian would have said).
Jack will so be missed, he was such a wonderful man with some amazing kids. I love you all with all my heart. Praying for comfort.
My thoughts are with you all during this hard time in your lives. Jack will be missed by so many people in our little town, just remember you will see him again someday.
Words can not express the loss that you feel. I am thankful that I have wonderful memories from my childhood of Jack and the family. He will be missed by many.
While taking my mother (JoAnn) to the clinic years ago, we enjoyed the help and the smiles that Jack shared with us and everyone he saw. I am so impressed to read about his life. His walk upon this Earth has touched many hearts and lives. We were blessed to be around him during that time. Thank you, Jack for being a light along with all the others at the clinic for us. May his friends and family be comforted at this time.
You will be missed as the "Handy Man". May the family of Jack be comforted at this time.
I have know Jack since y'all moved here. Jack was a good friend and we had many great conversations. Jack will be missed.
It is an honor to call Jack my friend. He was a gifted man with many talents, and used them for the betterment of home, community and country. I served with him throughout his career in the Arkansas Army National Guard and during the Gulf War. He was a fine soldier, great teacher and loyal friend to all his fellow soldiers.
Our prayers are with all the family during this difficult time.
James and Vickie Fountain
I’m so sorry to here about jack he had a smile on my face he ask me how I was doing I’m going to miss him
I worked with Jack quit a bit in the National Guard including the deployment to Desert Storm. A great and generous guy who helped build some "creature comforts" for the troops in the desert....prayers for the family...
Thank you "Jack" for your services to our country. Prayers to your family. God Bless the USA and men like you.
Prayers and sympathy go out to all of your family.
Opa, you will forever be in my heart; I can never forget the numerous things you have taught me and all the love you showed the family. I am honored to have known you. I love you!
He was a good man.
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I always liked he and your mom, and have fond memories, when the kids were in school. I pray God will comfort you all during these difficult times.
I just wanted to offer my condolences over Jack’s passing.
Ray and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.