He was a retired location manager for Helena Chemical Company, a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Korea during the Vietnam War and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Portland where he taught the TEL Sunday School class and sang bass in the church choir. Mr. Jaggers graduated from Rison High School on May 8, 1961, and attended Henderson State University where he graduated in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September of 1968, where he obtained the rank of Captain.
He taught school in the Pine Bluff school district before enrolling at UCA to complete his pre-medical degree. He obtained a master's degree from UCA in 1971. For the next five years, he was a teacher/coach at Hamburg High School.
In 1975, Mr. Jaggers relocated to Portland to run the Gus Pugh & Sons fertilizer plant. After 7 years with GP&S, he went to work for Helena Chemical, where he retired in 2006 with 24 years of service. He also served one five-year term on the Hamburg School Board and nine years as the mayor of Portland. Mr. Jaggers was an avid hunter and fisherman with a great love for the outdoors.
Survivors include his wife, Gay Batson Jaggers of Portland; his son, James 'Jim' Batson Jaggers and wife, Kami of Monticello; his daughter, Amy Gay Jaggers Stuart and husband, Jeremy of Bastrop, LA; one brother, Billy Joe Jaggars of Magnolia; four sisters, Mamie Jo Coats of Little Rock, Mattie Lou Hall of Hot Springs, Betty Jean Hamilton of Conway and Anna Sue Post of Kingsland; and two grandchildren, Bliss Caitlin Jaggers and Rhett Cameron Jaggers.
Condolences(43)
Melissa Burns Bell
Crossett, AR Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Mrs. Gay, Jim, & Amy, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I thought the world of Mr. John, and he will be missed by so many. Prayers for you all through this sad time of your lives.Gayle Zimmerman
Crossett, AR Wednesday, July 27, 2011 Dear Gay,We are all saddened by your loss of John. We frankly did not know him well, mostly of his because of all of his good works and dedicated public service. You have always held a special place in my families and my heart. We have such fond memories of the times you had Meghan and Sammy in school with you. It is hard to find people with joy filled spirits and you are one.
We share your sorrow.
Love to you and your family.
Gayle ,. Sam, Meghan and Sammy
P.S. Meghan and Sammy both graduated from UAM on May 13th this year. Makes you wonder how those things happen!
Lora Leasure Chaney
Hamburg, AR Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Coach Jaggers was my driver's ed teacher in Hamburg in 1976. I enjoyed his class and have thought of him often over the years since. In that short time, he taught me more than just driving skills; he showed me how to get along with people, have a sense of humor, and work on overcoming fear. He was a wonderful teacher.Anthony Fulgham
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Mrs. Jaggers & family, Sorry for your lost , John was a great influence on his students and players...I have some great memories of him in my junior high years. He was a positive man in the lives of young men.God Bless you and family.
amy smith-wilson
hamburg, AR Tuesday, July 26, 2011 mrs. gay:sorry for your loss. mr. john was a very funny man and he will dearly be missed.
Bob Burt
Milton, FL Tuesday, July 26, 2011 Mrs. Jaggers, Amy & Jim,I am so sorry to hear of Coach Jagger's passing. I have many fond memories of him mostly surrounding the football field and a lot of sweating. There were two things that impressed me about him as a young man under his direction. He was quick to put an arm around your shoulder and encourage you (especially after you had flubbed a block) and his big smile. I know you will miss him but hold strong to the assurance you will see him again. God bless and strengthen you all.
Ronnie Robbins
Athens, GA Monday, July 25, 2011 What a great gentleman! To Mrs. Gaye and family , Coach Jaggers was a wonderful teacher, and as you well know a wonderful person. I wish you peace and strength during this time. Sincerely, Ronnie RobbinsTootsie Selby Wilson
Albuquerque, NM Monday, July 25, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with Gay and the rest of the family. I enjoyed the visit I had with John and Gay a couple of years ago when I was in Portland. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. He will certainly be missed.Tootsie, Michael, Kellie, and Tootsie's mother Dot
JB Martindale
Conway, AR Monday, July 25, 2011 Jim and family....So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.JANE DOLLARHIDE
SHERWOOD, AR Monday, July 25, 2011 TO GAY & FAMILYGAY I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOSS,I WAS ALWAYS PROUD TO SAY I KNEW THE MAYOR OF PORTLAND,IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME BUT I HEAR FROM YOU THRU JOANNE,BLESS YOU ALL,
YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.JANE DOLLARHIDE
Julia Cranford
Ridgeland, MS Sunday, July 24, 2011 Dear Gay, I remember Coach Jaggers when he was at Hamburg. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Kim Hammett (Mimi Cook)
Heflin, LA Sunday, July 24, 2011 I'm very sorry for your loss, Coach Jaggers was a very special person. He was my bus driver when I was a little girl. He would let me sit in the window beside him. As a small child I adored him.....My thoughts and Prayers go out to y'all. I know he will be missed. I feel that I was blessed to know such a good man. May God comforant you during this time.Cindy Stell Hudgens
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 24, 2011 Gone from your sight but, never your heart.Leslie,Kane&Kelsi
, AR Sunday, July 24, 2011 Jim just wanted u to know we r thinking about u and ur family. Also we are praying for yall. If there us anything at all we can do all u have to do is call us.Leslie,Kane& Kelsi
Mitsy Thames
Austin, AR Sunday, July 24, 2011 So sorry we couldn't be there with you. You all are in our prayers.Love you all,
Nick, Mitsy, Collin & Cameron
Steve and Kim Pigott
Monticello, AR Sunday, July 24, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.TIPTON AND SUZANNE PUGH
portland, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 WE WERE SO SORRY TO READ OF JOHN'S PASSING. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW HIM AND THOSE THAT HAD DONE BUSINESS WITH HIM. MY YOU RECEIVE STREGTH AT THIS TIME OF LOSS.Tom Taylor
Bryant, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 I have so many fond memories of growing up with John Ray. My thoughts and prayers are with you. He was a good man.Randy Collins
Shreveport, LA Saturday, July 23, 2011 Am so saddened by the news of Coach Jaggers passing. I have very fond memories of him from my middle school days in Hamburg, AR. I am thinking of you Coach Gay Jaggers and your family as well during this difficult time. Am saying prayers that God will surround you all with love and comfort during this difficult time. Love, Randy CollinsLindaHuffman
Rison, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 Gay and FamilyI am so sorry to hear about John Rays passing away.
I am glad I got to see him and meet you at our 50th class renunion.
May God send you comfort in this time of heartache and know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda Riggins Huffman
Classmate 1961
Herbert Ray & Jamie Riley Carpenter
Promise Land, Hamburg Ar, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 Dear Mrs. Jaggers,Herbert and I are so sorry to hear about Coach Jaggers. He was my Science Teacher in Hamburg. I have good memories with him . He was a great teacher, coach, and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Herbert and Jamie Riley Carpenter
Patsy (Wilson) Rybiski
Texarkana, TX Saturday, July 23, 2011 Gay and all the family: I can't say enough about how I enjoyed having John Ray as my cousin. He was such a warm, caring person - with a wicked sense of humor! I would invariably show up at the house when I most needed a friend! He was my anchor when I followed him to Henderson. We've lost a good man.DAVID (BUD) BELL
HOT SPRINGS, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 I regret missing the reunion and not seeing John Ray and meeting his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Pat Chandler
Wilmot, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 Gay,You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Pat
Allen Chandler
Wilmot, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 Sorry to hear of John's passing. May the Lord give you all peace and comfort.Lavan & Darlene Lawson
Hamburg, Ar., AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 We are very sorry to here about John. He was a great boss when he was mayor, Our prayers will be with you;Brad and Stephanie Hollis
Monticello, AR Saturday, July 23, 2011 You are in our thoughts and prayers.James and Guylene Johnson
Heber Springs, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Amy Womack
, LA Friday, July 22, 2011 Amy and Jeremy-you and your family are in my prayers.Jacque Bynum
portland, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 It wasa pleasure working with Mr. John always so agreeable but what made my job so easy was the fact that I found him to be a christian man and i know that heaven is rejoicing. Family stay prayful as i am praying with you. You all did a wonderful job of taking care of him. May God bless and keep you.Tommy & Linda Hollis
Hamburg, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 John was a dear frield. Our prayers are with Gay, Jim, Amy and their families.Renee Mccracken
Wilmot, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 "Miss" Gay and familyJust wanted to let you know my prayersand thoughts are with you and your family. Mr Jim was a sweet fellow and I know he will be greatly missed by all. Take care and if you need anything let me know. Luv ya, Renee
Matt & Courtnie Carter
Bastrop, LA Friday, July 22, 2011 You are in our thoughts and prayers. We Love You!Matt & Courtnie
Lily Hughes Shields
Billings, MT Friday, July 22, 2011 Mrs. Jaggers, Amy & Jim....Thinking of your family at this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace.Paul Selby
Crossett, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Very sorry to hear of Mr. Jaggers' passing. Not only was he my science teacher in the 9th grade at HHS, but he was also my very first boss when I went to work at GPS at the age of 14. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.Mary Nann Haney
Crossett, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Sincerely My love and prayers to the familyMay God comfort you at this time of your loss.
Love
Mary Nann
JENNIFER STEPHENSON
MONTICELLLO, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Jim we wanted you to know that we are thinking about you and your family. Jennifer,Mallory,PhillipSusie, Ryan and Gregg Grantham
Hamburg, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 He will be missed terribly by all. We love you very much. He is probably hunting deer in heaven right now. Being the best cook around, the Lord probably couldn't wait for him to get there and cook him some John Ray-style deer steak. And, I'll just bet he is cuttin up with the Lord, rehashin fishing stories with him (cause he was there then too). We love you all very much and we loved Mr. John very much. May the Lord bless you and heal you during your loss. We will always be there for you. Susie, Ryan and GreggEddie & Ann Scherm
, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 You are in our thoughts & prayers!With deepest sympathy,
Eddie & Ann
Denise Gifford
Crossett, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Amy & family So sorry about your daddy. Heaven has another angel to look over us. I know you'll miss him dearly. Love to you all, Denise & Bill GiffordVicki Davis Sutton
Conway, AR Friday, July 22, 2011 Dear Jaggers family, I am so sad to hear about Coach Jaggers passing away. He was such a sweet man. I have a lot of fond memories of him in Jr. High PE class in Hamburg. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.Janet McLeod Johnson
Port Neches, TX Friday, July 22, 2011 To Mrs. Jaggers and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr.(coach) Jaggers. Know that he is without pain and walking the streets of gold. May God comfort you all in your time of sorrow. May God shower you with peace, understanding, and love. RIP Coach Jaggers...you will be missed.Linda
Dermott, AR Thursday, July 21, 2011 Mrs. JaggersTrusting in God's Promises...
Comfort for your sorrow,
Courage for each day,
Strength to face this journey,
His word to light your way,
His peace to fill your heart,
although you may not understand,
And his love to hold you gently in the hollow of his hand.
May the peace God's promise offers help to ease your grief today. And may he always be beside you as you go along life's way.
With Sympathy