James D. Yeager, age 83 of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 16, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born on November 26, 1939 to the late Harold and Hazel (Schmitt) Yeager in Defiance, Ohio. On November 5, 1966 he married Yvonne (Fickel) Yeager, who resides in Defiance. James was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Defiance Elks Lodge #147 and Moose Lodge #2094. He was one of the original members of Maumee Valley Car Club. James worked for over 38 years as a foreman at Brown's Bakery in Defiance. He enjoyed fishing and was a huge fan of NASCAR, Pittsburgh Steelers, and The Ohio State Buckeyes. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren and attending their events. James will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Yvonne Yeager, his son, Chad (Jenny) Yeager, and his daughter, Stacy Conlon, all of Defiance. He also leaves behind five grandchildren; Abby and Ryan Yeager, Samantha, Cindy and P.J. Conlon, three brothers; Jack (Cathie) Yeager of Florida, John Yeager of Defiance, and Harold (Kathy) Yeager, Jr. of Defiance, and his sister, Joyce Erman of Elida, OH. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Donald, Richard, Gale and Gary Yeager, his sisters, Norma Jacob and Janice L. Mansfield, and his son-in-law, Pat Conlon. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the funeral home, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. Entombment will follow the service at Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church, or CHP Defiance Hospice Center.