Jay Yeager, Anderson County law director, passes away at 65
NICHOLAS “JAY” YEAGER
Yeager, 65, died unexpectedly on Friday, reportedly from a heart attack.
He had worked for the county since 2001. He was an assistant law director from 2001-06, then law director until his death.
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank released the following statement on Monday:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Anderson County Law Director Jay Yeager,” she said.
“Mr. Yeager, a dedicated public servant and esteemed legal professional, passed away Friday, July 26.
“Mr. Yeager was known for his unwavering commitment to his profession and Anderson County government, having joined Anderson County nearly 23 years ago, on Oct. 29, 2001.
“His expertise and leadership significantly contributed to our community,” she said. “He was a constant presence at meetings [and] active in the operations of government, and his legacy will be felt for years to come.
“His contributions extended beyond his professional role; he was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many,” Frank said. “In his committed dedication to his work, he built relationships that he held for a lifetime.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Yeager’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time,” Frank concluded.
“Shocked and incredibly saddened describes the emotions we feel right now,” Anderson County Commission Chairman Tyler Mayes said Monday.
“Jay was a fixture in Anderson County government,” he said. “He spent more than two decades serving our citizens, but his legacy is defined by what he did beyond his profession.
“He built lifelong friendships and was a mentor to many,” Mayes said. “He donated his time and talent to many organizations and causes that made Anderson County better.”
Yeager was an officer in the Tennessee County Attorney Association, and was named Tennessee County Attorney of the Year for 2024.
His wife, Linda Marie, died in June 2018 of cancer after battling the disease for 10 years.
Yeager graduated from high school in Florida, then attended East Tennessee State University.
He received a degree in criminal justice from East Carolina University and worked in law enforcement for a number of years, including being a member of the Gwinnett County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office bomb squad and SWAT team.
He later graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law with a juris doctorate degree, and landed in Anderson County.
Yeager has been described as a man who liked to tell stories, take motorcycle rides, and listen to music.
He was a Georgia Bulldogs fan. Besides law director, Yeager had other titles: son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His favorite title, however, was “Papi Jay.”
“I met Jay before he was our county attorney,” First District Commissioner Tracy Wandell said over the weekend.
“He has always been a friend and someone I could turn to for advice, and learn from his experience,” Wandell said.
“Jay always stood for our county and presented things from a legal perspective,” he said. “Jay was a friend to all and was very respected not only in our county but throughout the state.
“My wife and I are in disbelief and heartbroken,” Wandell said. “It was an honor to work with Jay and share life’s blessings.
“Jay shared photos and texts with me often of one of his most cherished blessings – his grandson Oliver,” Wandell said. ““I could hear his smile over the phone when he would talk about Oliver.
“This one really hurts, and our county will have a major void to fill,” Wandell said. “However, replacing Jay’s presence in our county and courthouse will not be easily done.
“Fortunately, Jay had the foresight to build his office, and has two very fine, capable individuals who learned from Jay,” Wandell said. “I am confident in their abilities to continue Jay’s workload and keep things moving forward.”
Mayes said the process to replace Yeager’s services to the county will begin soon.
“As for filling Jay’s position, the Legal Services Advisory Committee will convene to discuss a path forward,” Mayes said. “That committee is chaired by Mayor Frank. County Commission will take up the recommendations from that committee.”
Former Courier News correspondent Pete Gawda, who covered county government for the newspaper, said of Yeager: ”I was honored to have worked with him and to have been able to call him ‘friend’.”
Besides his wife of 34 years, Yeager wass preceded in death by his mother, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.
He leaves behin his father, Donald Kent Yeager of Knoxville; children, Maggie Yeager (Tommy Wood) of Huntsville, Ala., and D.J. Yeager (Julia Wiant) of Clinton; three grandchildren, Oliver Yeager, Levi and Ruby Wood; sister, Kelly Yeager Turner (Mark) of Knoxville; brother-in-law, Dale Geisler (Patty) of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; niece, Sasha Wright (Nick), nephew, Shelby Geisler; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will follow in Roselawn Memory Gardens.