Date Of Birth: December 23, 1918
Date Of Death: February 9, 2010
Kenneth R. Jagger, 91, of Indianapolis, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2010. He was born in Columbia City, IN on December 23, 1918, the son of the late Ray and Mary (Gaff) Jagger.Kenny started his career as a professional musician at the Colonial Hotel and Gardens at Lake Manitou, Rochester, IN. After graduation from Rochester High School, he studied theatre-radio organ under Mildred Fitzpatrick at the Sherwood Music School in Chicago.During his career, he traveled all over America as an exclusive Music Corporation of America (MCA) artist playing organ and piano at celebrated hotels and lounges. One of the choice locations was the Midtown Manhattan Sheraton Hotel. He had his own radio show nightly on WNEW in New York. He recorded phonograph records for the F.M. label, as well as the Gold Seal label. His most popular record was Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie disc. His records were distributed worldwide.He had the distinction of being the last organist to play at the Indiana Theatre. After over 30 years without organ music, arrangements were made with the Thomas Organ Co. for Kenny to play for the 1967 showing of Gone with the Wind.Locally, he is best remembered for his engagement at the Graylyn Hotel Blue Room. During this period he had two television shows a week on Channel 6. He was also the organist on Channel 4 for the Billie Boucher show. In addition to these TV shows, his music was aired on WISH, WIRE, and WFBM radio.Over the years, he played extensive engagements at the Shrine Club, Columbia Club, Plainfield Elks Club, Highland Country Club, Indianapolis Country Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club and Lutz Supper Club.Kenny was an avid motorcyclist and always strove to improve the image of the sport. While on the Billie Boucher show he created a TV motorcycle special. He was the recipient from the BMW motorcycle factory in Munich, Germany of a 300, 000 Mile Award for riding BMW motorcycles over 300, 000 miles during a 34-year period. He was the President of the Indianapolis BMW Club numerous times and was the creator of the nationally attended Christmas in June motorcycle rally held on Floyd “Pop” Dreyer’s acreage near Mt. Meridian, IN.He was a Charter Life Member of the Local 3 American Federation of Musicians, the American Theatre Organ Society, and the Indianapolis Organ Club where he performed numerous programs. He was also a Charter Life Member of the American Motorcycle Association, BMW Motorcycle Owners Association, and the BMW Riders Association. Additional memberships included the Indianapolis Art Center, the Masonic Lodge Evergreen Chapter, Scottish Rite and Shrine.His wife of 52 years, Florence Zigas Jagger and a brother Robert Dale Jagger, preceded him in death. Relatives include a daughter, Jacqueline Ann Harris (husband Richard) of Muncie, IN; a son, John Raymond Jagger (wife Leslie) of Maryville, TN; four granddaughters, Michelle Weaver, Teresa Hayes, Kathryn Hilleson and Meredith Jagger, and two great-grandchildren, Bailee and Brock Weaver. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 20 at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 1660 Kessler Blvd., East Drive, Indianapolis. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 2:00 p.m.
Michael Waugh says
Peace be with you and the family.
Teresa Roberson says
Mr. Jaggers was one of the most remarkable people you would ever meet in your lifetime. He will be greatly missed and always loved. Teresa Roberson-American Village
Barbara Dreyer Newsom says
Sorry to learn of Kenny’s passing. I have many fond memories of him with my father, Floyd “Pop” Dreyer.
Jim Frazee says
As a musician, Kenny was one of the very best, an inspiration and life-long model for me and many others.
As a friend, he was always there, always curious, always kind with a smile and glint in his eye that foreshadowed help, understanding, sharing and camaraderie.
As a true gentleman of the old school, he had no superior and precious few equals.
Even if you hadn’t seen him for years, when you finally did, it was as if you’d just had dinner together last night, and, in a way, you had, because the respect and honor you had for him was always with you – he was that kind of guy.
Yes, we are sad. But I’m guessing they are partying in heaven. God bless his lovely and loving family and all those of us who miss him.
Ginny Hart says
Dear Jackie,
I was sorry to hear of your father’s passing; however, he certainly had a wonderful, full life, didn’t he?
Take care,
Ginny Walsmith Hart
John M Flora says
Kenny was one of the nicest guys I ever met. His legacy includes all of the good times and millions of motorcycle miles that have come from the Indianapolis BMW Club, of which he was a founder.
Kenny was a genuinely good man and he left the world a considerably better place for having lived in it.
Godspeed, Kenny Jagger. Now that you’re free of the burden of a failing body, ride like the wind.
Bob Elsea says
I met Kenny in the mid 50’s when my
brother Jac and I had a Pure Oil
service station at 62nd and Allisonville Rd, we bacame instant friends and I used to ride with him
using his old 1938 BMW bike. Like all true friends, he will be truly
missed. My sister Dolores joins me in my condolences to Jackie and John.
Martin Radtke says
Dear Daughter and Son of Kenny & Flo,
I will miss your father very much – he was a class act. I first joined the Indianapolis BMW Motorcycle Club in 1975 at age 20 and met Kenny at the home of Guy Cheney along with other class Club members such as Judge DeTar, Leroy New, Will Stiffler, “Pop” Dreyer, the Byrketts, Thomases, etc. I remember fondly the support the club members gave me during my 2 journeys cross country in 1976 and 1978. Your father was very supportive of my adventures at ages 21 and 23.
I recently visited Kenny back in May last year and during both Thanksgiving and XMas. My mother still remembered Kenny after all these years (she is 86).
I and the club members will miss Kenny but know he is now reunited with his beloved Flo and friends like Floyd “Pop” Dreyer.
Of course I will attend the funeral and have notified the Indy BMW Club.
Martin J. Radtke
VP Indianapolis BMW Club
317-842-8061
Jim and Barb Pence Babcock says
Jackie,
We were saddened to read of your dad’s passing. Please know we are praying for you and your family–for God’s peace and comfort during this hard time.
Wayne Payne says
Many times during my adolescence, while living in Fort Wayne, I would hear the unique sound of a BMW bike in our drive. It was Kenny and my uncle,Pooch Payne,on a ride to “Lord knows where”. Often they would spend the night, leaving after breakfast on another adventure. Death now reunites two very good friends.
Tim Linda Balough says
Kenny was a class act and we will miss him. A great example for motorcyclists to follow. God speed Kenny!
Mary Dormann Williamson says
Hi, when I was a teenager, my Dad took art classes from Flo Jagger. Since we lived in the neighborhood, we often went to their house to get advise about a painting. While there, if Kenny was home, he would also take the time to visit and tell us about his adventures in the bike or where he was playing in town. He loved that bike. I will remember him as a vibrant and loving man and his family will truly miss him.
Janet B says
I really didnt know Mr. Jagger was as accomplished as he was. I knew about some of the things mentioned in his obituary but never to this extent. I really feel honored and priveledge to have been able to care for him. He was kind, caring and polite. He always said thank you to me. He made me feel special because even when he was not feeling well and did not want to talk to others he always perked up and talked to me. he shared things with me that he told no others. I’m gonna miss him. Jackie and John you have my deepest sympathy. Your father was a wonderful man.
Sincerely
Janet@ American Village.
Karen Bush says
Dear Jackie, This will be a voice from the past. I read the obituary for your father; my sympathies, and thought of you from our church days. At the EUB church at 56th and Broadway we spent a lot of time together . I was Karen Wood then, granddaughter of Bob and Florence Eby. I run into some of the members occasionally and actually had lunch with Paul Nordby not long ago. There was a reunion some years ago and no one knew how to get in touch with you or Scott O’malley. If you get a minute send your address and I will keep it in case there is a reunion at another time. I also took art lessons from your mother and often remember the great talent she had. You had a very talented family. I hope this finds you and yours well even during this difficult time. Kindest regards, Karen Wood Bush
Karen Bush says
Dear Jackie, This will be a voice from the past. I read the obituary for your father; my sympathies, and thought of you from our church days. At the EUB church at 56th and Broadway we spent a lot of time together . I was Karen Wood then, granddaughter of Bob and Florence Eby. I run into some of the members occasionally and actually had lunch with Paul Nordby not long ago. There was a reunion some years ago and no one knew how to get in touch with you or Scott O’malley. If you get a minute send your address and I will keep it in case there is a reunion at another time. I also took art lessons from your mother and often remember the great talent she had. You had a very talented family. I hope this finds you and yours well even during this difficult time. Kindest regards, Karen Wood Bush
DianaBerryAsberryWhitt says
Kenny gave me my very 1st motorcycle ride as a little girl-he & Flo had patience for all the kids in the area, & were GREAT neighbors! My condolences to Jackie & John.
Brett says
I appreciate the benefit I’ve had to get to know and learn from Mr. Jagger over the past six years. He always asked about my children and pets. I enjoyed many conversations with him about music, motorcycles and family. However, of all his amazing excursions and fantastic accomplishments he was obviously most proud of his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with Jackie, John and their families.
Matt Karen Spangler says
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful life lived. He was such a big part of your life, Jackie, I know he will live on forever in your heart and your great memories.
In friendship and sympathy,
Matt & Karen
BILLIE BOUCHER says
A friend sent a copy of Kenny’s obituary to me in Florida. I was so very sorry to read of his death but he led a very good and fullfilling life and that is the best thing any of us can hope for. My husband, David Bailey, and I used to enjoy going to the Graylyn just to hear him play and visit with him. He was a truely talented musician and I was very fortunate to have had him as part of my show. My sincere condolences to his family. I am sure that the knowledge of how much he was respected and admired must be a comfort at this time.
Ann Weigand says
My family’s deepest sympathies to the Jagger family. My Father and my late Mother and friends of their’s were great fans of Kenny Jagger’s wonderful musical talents. I remember being allowed to go along to hear him as a child and being impressed at the magic. They always spoke highly of him as a musician and about his love of his motorcycle.
Mike and Sue OConnor says
Our sincere condolences to the Jagger family.Kenny will be missed by all. We first met Kenny at American Village because he was a friend of Harold Havens (Sues father) also a resident at American Village before his death. They lived across the hall from each other and ate at the same table. Kenny’s history with Rochester,Lake Manitou and The Colonial Hotel were very close to us as we have a family history there also. We recently brought back pictures of Kenny’s old home in Rochester to share with him. Kenny’s music gave us a lasting memory. While sharing a Christmas with our family at American Village Kenny played some of the favorites for Harold and Margaret Havens. Harold died a week later on New Years Day. The joy Kenny gave to all of us with his music on that special Christmas will stay with us forever. God bless Kenny and his family.
Patrick Fegley says
To The Jagger Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Kenny’s passing. I will always cherish the memories of motorcycle rides on the back of his BMW, along with every other kid in our neighborhood. Football games with John, and annual bicycle races in the month of May, and the advice and direction Flo gave me as an art student.
Those are the times that will remain with me always.
My prayers and condolences go out to the family.
Patrick Fegley
Wm Schumacher aka Bill Butler says
as a Hammond fan I pay tribute to one of the pioneer players. I’m sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr J in person. BillButlerB3@msn.com and my sympathy to the family and friends.
Joe Dunn says
John,
Jo and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. I was extremely impressed by reading of your father’s musical accomplishments. I would have liked to have gotten to know him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe Dunn says
John,
Jo and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. I was extremely impressed by reading of your father’s musical accomplishments. I would have liked to have gotten to know him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eleanor Grace Payne Trainor says
Just stumbled upon this. What a rich life Kenny and his friends lead. The eyes of my grandfather, Pooch Payne, would light up talking about Kenny’s music and their many shared adventures on BMW motorcycles. My cousin, Wayne Payne, is correct in his thought that two wonderful friends, such were Pooch and Kenny, are probably quited delighted to be reunited again.