John R. "Jack" Hager, 80, of Lancaster died on Sunday, August 30, 2009. He grew up in Lancaster and attended Manheim Township schools. He graduated from Culver Military Academy, Culver, Indiana, in 1947. He received his B.A. from Cornell University with an ROTC commission.

Jack was an Artillery Officer in the US Army, and as a First Lieutenant served as a forward aerial observer in combat during the Korean War. He was an Executive at Hager's Department Store and then Watt & Shand. He participated in the development of the Park City Shopping Center and was the Manager of Watt& Shand from its opening in 1970 until November 1981.

Jack retired to pursue his love for flying. He was instrumental in bringing the modern sport of Hot Air Ballooning to the skies over Lancaster County in 1972. Jack taught ballooning, offered pleasure flights, attended balloon events across the country, and worked with the Federal Aviation Administrator as a designed pilot examiner and as an accident prevention counselor. He flew the Alps twice in a gas balloon,

Jack was an expert skier. He also enjoyed model train collecting and was a member of the Dutch Bunch train collectors.

Jack is survived by his wife Joanne Weiler Hager, his brother, Dr. Edward T. Hager, three children and five grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, 719 Highland Ave., Lancaster, PA on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 11:30AM with Military Honors accorded by the Red Rose Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack's memory to Fisher House Foundation which helps military families, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850. Arrangements are by the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel. To send online condolences, please visit snyderfuneralhome.com