Jerry James Eagan, 77, a Veteran with the U.S. Army, resident of Silver City, NM passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Fort Bayard Medical Center. He was born April 10, 1947 in Logansport, Indiana to James Eagan and Gwen Jones Eagan.
Prior to entering Fort Bayard Medical Center, Jerry attended St. Francis Newman Center.
He is survived by his son, Dustin Eagan of Denver, CO; his sisters, Marcia Cripe and husband Greg of Logansport, IN; Nancy Boxell and husband Keith of Logansport, IN; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy Ginger; his sister, Diana Eagan and brother, David Eagan.
He graduated from Logansport High School in June 1965. He enlisted and entered the U.S. Army in 1965 and was discharged in June 1968. He served in South Korea from November 1965-July 1966. In August 1966, he served in Vietnam and was wounded in action in November 1966. Permanent disability eventually granted for gunshot wound and malaria. His military decorations were the Good Conduct Medal; Purple Heart; and Combat Infantry Badge.
As a civilian, he worked with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as a Human Resource Specialist from July 1979 until December 1998 when he retired. He got his Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree for Indiana University and University of Oregon.
Jerry is so proud of his son Dustin who was born in 1981 and now lives in Denver, CO. In 2003, Jerry married the love of his life, Dorothy Ginger Poortinga, who was a wonderful wife, and mother, who all her children were devoted to her and loved her very much. She lost her battle to cancer on February 24, 2014.
A graveside service will be celebrated on Friday, February 28th at 2pm at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors where both will be laid to rest.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
