With celebration and gratitude in our hearts, we honor the passing of Marcia Jane (Wise) Jager, who departed this life on August 26, 2025. Marcia is survived by her husband Fred Jager, her stepchildren Scott, Betsy, and Patrick, her brother Dick, his wife Elaine, and their family.

Born in Billings, Montana on May 13, 1949, Marcia graduated from the University of Montana with a BS in Sociology. She moved to Denver in her 20s, where she built a career in sales and marketing while remaining closely connected to her Montana roots.

In 1985, a blind date changed her life: she met Fred, and just a few months later they were married. This summer, they joyfully marked their 40th wedding anniversary. In 1986, Marcia and Fred relocated to Orange County, California, settling in Laguna Beach, where Marcia not only continued her professional pursuits but also embraced giving back to her community.

Marcia and Fred loved to travel, spending treasured time in Europe, the Caribbean, and exploring across the United States. Yet closest to her heart was the family cabin at East Rosebud Lake in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains. She was an avid fisherperson, golfer, and a prolific reader – happiest when surrounded by the beauty of nature and the company of loved ones.

Beyond these personal joys, Marcia poured her heart into service. She led Stop-Gap as board president, later chaired Human Options, and became a longtime director, and Past Board Chair of the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center. Along the way, United Way of Orange County honored her for outstanding volunteerism, and she gave steady support to the American Red Cross and many other causes.

Those who served alongside Marcia remember her as a leader of uncommon heart and vision.

“As a past board member and former chair, Marcia Jager set a high standard for leadership, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered for generations.” reflects Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options. “Her impact on Human Options and the broader community is profound, and her memory will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration.”

“Marcia Jager’s knowledge of how nonprofits run and her passion for the mission made her a transformational leader in our midst,” says Dana Butler-Moburg, CEO of The Shea Center. “I worked with Marcia for more than 20 years and four of those were as our board chair. She led with courage, grace, compassion and practicality that allowed us to learn from her many years of experience with nonprofit organizations. Marcia loved The Shea Center and we loved her. She will be deeply missed. Our deepest condolences to her husband Fred and their family.”

Her generosity of spirit, steadfast leadership, and devotion to community will endure as her greatest legacy, and an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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