John Eager

Husband for 55 years of Linda P. Eager, nee Palmer; children Susan (Jim) Camberis and Steve (Megan); grandpa of Makena, Eniko, Grace, Gabriel, Daniel, and Dominic; brother of Sandy (David) Bailey, uncle of Ashley (Alicia), Dustin and Alex.

John was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana. The son of the late George and Elizabeth (Betty) Eager, he attended Central High School and joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation. He was stationed on the USS Arcturus and traveled to Europe and Northern Africa. During his time in the U.S. Navy, he developed an interest in computing and took the IBM placement exam to begin a course of study in information systems. Towards the end of his time in the service, he met his future wife, Linda, who was working as a bank teller at the Naval base in Norfolk. Linda and John were married in two church services – one Catholic and one Methodist – on Thanksgiving, November 25, 1965.

John began a long and successful career in property and casualty insurance, as a claims adjuster with Liberty Mutual in Roanoke, Virginia. His career took him from Virginia to Massachusetts, and back to his Midwest roots with roles in Iowa and Chicagoland. His last and favorite role was working as a senior claims director with the NAII, now the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). As part of his work, he had the opportunity to testify on Capitol Hill on behalf of the industry, assist the FBI on claims-related projects, and help others learn and grow by organizing conferences and committee work. As much as he enjoyed his work, he equally valued the connections he formed with his NAII colleagues, which lasted long into his retirement.

One of John’s passions was education. A lifetime learner, John completed his undergrad in business administration with Old Dominion University in 1969 and his Master’s degree in human services with National Lewis University in 1997. Two of John’s lifetime goals were completing a doctorate degree and teaching at the college level, both of which he accomplished. He earned his Ed.D. in 2003 and would go on to teach as an adjunct faculty member with National Lewis University and Dominican University. During his teaching career, he helped establish several new programs and brought many courses from the classroom into online environments. He loved sharing his knowledge and helping others along their educational journeys. He was a compassionate, dedicated, and well-regarded educator, and was honored as Adjunct Faculty of the Year during his final year of teaching.

One of John and Linda’s shared passions was Disney. They traveled to Disney World every year beginning in 1974, and during John’s retirement they would often visit two or three times a year, sharing their travels with family and friends. John was Linda’s biggest supporter when she began her 15-year tenure with the Disney Store in Bloomindale, Illinois. John would frequently stop by the store and they both stayed connected to the “Disney Gals” Linda worked with, attending annual holiday parties and special events. They were familiar faces at “Land of Mickey” gatherings, the local chapter of the Disneyana Fan Club. John loved wearing his Disney “swag” – especially his “Donald Duck” gear. It was rare to not see him in a Disney baseball cap, shirt, jacket – or all three!

John believed in healthy aging and served as a role model for others. He was an avid reader, typically reading two or three books at a time, particularly on philosophy and religion. He kept active physically through practicing martial arts, yoga, and meditation, with Yong-In USA Martial Arts Academy in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. After earning his black belt, he took two trips to South Korea with the Academy. Linda accompanied John on his second trip, when they also had the opportunity to travel to China. John was a proud member of Weight Watchers and earned “Lifetime” in 2020. After this accomplishment, he committed to sending his monthly dues equivalent to Give the Kids the World, a charity that he loved.

Throughout his life, John believed in making a contribution and being of service to others. He did this formally by participating in early civil rights marches, being a part of the Masonic Order, taking on leadership roles with service groups like Jaycees, and running for Town Meeting Member in Massachusetts. But more often, he did this by demonstrating sincere interest, caring, and concern for others – his family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. He considered his friends part of his extended family. He was always happy to help in any way he could; he remembered and acknowledged birthdays and special occasions, and could always be counted on for support.

John would frequently say that the meaning of life was to find our gift, and give it to others. In John’s case, it turned out that his gift was being of service. His gift and presence will be deeply missed.

Memorial visitation Saturday, March 6th, 3:30 pm until time of his service 5:30 pm at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 950 S. Bartlett Rd. (at Stearns Rd.) Bartlett. Cremation will be private at the Countryside Crematory.
In lieu of flowers donations to Give the Kids the World 210 S. Bass Rd Kissimmee, FL 34746 would be appreciated.