* James L. Hager III; Former Sheriff’s Deputy

James Lawrence Hager III, a former deputy sheriff and private investigator, died Saturday at a Ventura hospital following a brief illness. He was 56.

He was born April 28, 1944, in Virginia and had been a Ventura County resident for the past 41 years. He graduated from Ventura High School and from Ventura College. He also received a bachelor’s degree from La Verne University.

Hager served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.

That same year he graduated from the Sheriff’s Academy and served as a Ventura County deputy for 13 years. Most recently, he worked as a private investigator.

Hager enjoyed golfing and fishing and he volunteered as an assistant football coach at Ventura High School from 1983 to 1988.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Elleen; sons Sean of Austin, Texas, and Michael of Ventura; daughter Kimberly Lindemann of Ventura; mother Betty Jo Perkins of Ventura; brother Jeff Hager of Ventura; and two granddaughters.

Memorial services are scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Methodist Church in Ventura with the Rev. Walt Dilg officiating. Interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity in Hager’s name.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.