State Senator Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano recently honored Reverend James P. Jaeger upon his retirement after a long tenure as a regional priest. Father Jaeger, who has served since 2008 as the Pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Bath and St. Gabriel’s Church in Hammondsport, is retiring after nearly 40 years with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.
Father Jaeger’s service included assignments at several parishes such as Holy Name of Jesus and St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Hornell, St. Margaret Mary in Irondequoit, and others across the Diocese.
Assemblyman Palmesano attended a retirement event for Father Jaeger on June 22 at Saint Mary’s in Bath, where he presented a Legislative Resolution (J1080/K) sponsored alongside O’Mara to honor Father Jaeger’s contributions.
The resolution was previously adopted by the New York State Senate and Assembly. It highlights that “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 on April 11, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, Father Jaeger’s family moved to Canandaigua where he was confirmed at Saint Mary’s Church in 1972. He prepared for priesthood at Finger Lakes Community College and Saint John Fisher College before theological studies at Immaculate Conception Seminary.
Ordained on May 17, 1986 by Bishop Matthew H. Clark at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Greece, New York, Father Jaeger’s work extended beyond parish duties into military chaplaincies with active duty deployments overseas.
O’Mara and Palmesano stated jointly: “Father Jim Jaeger has lived a remarkable life of service to his faith… He has touched so many lives… We are grateful for this opportunity to express heartfelt thanks…”
In retirement, Father Jaeger will return to Canandaigua while continuing chaplaincy work at the Canandaigua Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
