Obituary of John Alexander Eager

John Alexander Eager, 93, was born into Eternal Life on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at his home in Potlatch,Washington surrounded by family and friends. John died free from pain, peacefully, facing the waters of Hood Canal. John was born October 7, 1923 in Castlebellingham, Ireland to John W. and Violet (Kelly) Eager. In 1928, the family voyaged from Ireland to Shelton,Washington and resided on a farm in Skokomish Valley. John graduated from Shelton High School in 1942 and days later left to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As an electrician aboard the U.S.S. White Plains his South Pacific deployment culminated in the final great naval air battle of WWII, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945, he returned to Shelton and became employed as a machinist at Rayonier Pulp and Paper Research Lab. John met the love of his life, Betty May Butler, and they married at St David's Episcopal Church on December 26, 1948 where they both became active members over the decades. He enjoyed and took pride in creating, building, and making improvements whether it be on his job, at the church during his years of vestry and warden service, or the construction of his family homes with extensive gardens. He owned every tool known to mankind and was skillful and productive in using them. John took early retirement from ITT Rayonier to serve his community as a Mason County Commissioner addressing the needs of his community and it's unique environment. "God's country" is what he would call it and that was his passion. With a big Irish heart, John lived to give to his family. His unconditional love and support and great humor created many special memories and moments that will be forever treasured. Family was always together, whether it be at a sporting event, camping, or years of Palm Springs; most unforgettable were the cherished good times of life and love, friends and family, on beautiful Hood Canal. John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty; son, John E. Eager; daughter, Jane (Chris) McGee; grandchildren, Kathleen (Jose) Perry, Sarah McGee; great-grandchildren, Sienna, Isaiah, Levi, and Shiloh; and many nieces and nephews. John enjoyed being "Grandpa" to many close family friends. Preceding him in death are brothers, Robert and David; sisters, Violet, Mary, and Sybil; nephew, Mike; great-nephew, Brian. The family would like to thank Lean on Me Home Health Care, especially Stephanie, and the entire staff at Mason General Hospital for their quality care, tenderness, and ability to match John's good humor. A service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on February 4, 2017 at St. David's Episcopal Church in Shelton with Father Joseph Mikel and Father Donald Maddux presiding. There will be a reception following the service at the Colonial House.