Local Lawmakers Honor Retiring Priest Father James Jaeger for Decades of Service
State Senator Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano recently honored the retirement of Reverend James P. Jaeger, who has served as pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Bath and St. Gabriel’s Church in Hammondsport since 2008.
Father Jaeger’s ministry spans nearly 40 years across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester. His assignments included parishes in Hornell, Irondequoit, the Canisteo Valley, Palmyra, and Marion.
Palmesano attended a retirement celebration on June 22 at St. Mary’s Church in Bath, where he presented a joint Legislative Resolution adopted earlier this year by both the State Senate and Assembly. The resolution, co-sponsored by O’Mara, recognizes Father Jaeger’s decades of service and commitment to his faith and community. It reads, in part:
“Father James Jaeger has touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to faith, country, and community; his compassionate ministry, humble leadership, and selfless service have left an indelible mark throughout the Southern Tier, the Finger Lakes, and beyond.”
Born in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1957, Father Jaeger grew up in Canandaigua and was confirmed at Saint Mary’s Church in 1972. He studied at Finger Lakes Community College and Saint John Fisher College before completing his seminary education at Immaculate Conception Seminary in New Jersey. He was ordained in 1986 by Bishop Matthew H. Clark.
In addition to his parish work, Father Jaeger served as a military chaplain with the Air National Guard, including deployments to Europe and the Middle East. He retired from military service with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades of service.
In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said:
“Father Jim Jaeger has lived a remarkable life of service to his faith, his family, our nation, his beloved Finger Lakes region, and the many parish communities he has served with great care, diligence, strength, and compassion. … We are grateful for this opportunity to express heartfelt thanks on behalf of our entire region and to wish Father Jaeger a long, full, and happy retirement.”
Following his retirement, Father Jaeger plans to return to his family home in Canandaigua, continue his chaplaincy at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center, and assist as a senior priest.
