Charles Joseph (“C.J.”) Nager

C.J. Nager died peacefully at his home at Freedom Village of Bradenton, in Bradenton, Florida, on February 3, 2025.

C.J. was born November 8, 1930, in New York City. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from Mamaroneck High School in New York. He obtained his degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his MBA from Columbia University. He served as Communications Officer on the U.S.S. Healy during the Korean War and went on to serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve. 

C.J. is survived by his wife of 69 years, Kathleen (“Katzy”) Bailey Nager, sons Adams Bailey Nager (Elizabeth), George Worthington Nager (Lisa) and Thomas Dwight Nager, grandchildren Adams (Hilary), Keaton,  Bryson, Matheus, and Gabriela, and great-grandson Elliot.  C.J. was predeceased by his parents, Charles Joseph Nager and Alice Clark Norton Nager,  his sister Genevieve Nager Windle and his brother George Norton Nager.

C.J. began his career with General Electric before moving to Crown, Cork & Seal. He culminated his career with Hughes Aircraft, traveling around the world as he served as project manager for radar installations in F-18 fighter jets. 

C.J. and Katzy’s journey took them to Schenectady, New York; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Marblehead, Massachusetts; Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Creve Coeur, Missouri; Portola Valley, California; and Palos Verdes Estates, California.

In retirement, they lived in River Hills at Lake Wylie, South Carolina, and in Longboat Key, Florida. C.J. will be remembered for his outgoing nature and positive spirit. He had a warm greeting for everyone. He was a strong advocate for youth to pursue excellence. 

He served as the long-time scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 970 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, and as president of the Babe Ruth Baseball League in Palos Verdes Estates.

In retirement, C.J. was an active member and officer of the River Hills Lions Club and, with Katzy,  created and led the Lions Club’s Roaring Readers book distribution program at Kinard Elementary School, Title 1 school in Clover, South Carolina. 

C.J. was an avid tennis player, bridge player, carpenter and sailor. Many early mornings he could be seen running in his “Jog For Joy” sweatshirt or sculling the fiberglass shell which he built.

Memorials may be made to All Angels by the Sea Episcopal Church, 563 Bay Isles Rd., Longboat Key, FL 34228.

A service of remembrance will take place at All Angels by the Sea Church at 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 6, 2025.