Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr.'s Obituary
Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr., best known as one of the region's most prolific entrepreneurs and real estate developers, died June 23, 2024 at the age of 77. Joe’s life was a testament to the American Dream. Growing up in the Lower Ninth Ward, Joe graduated from Holy Cross and at age 16 began college at Southeastern. At age 19, he became a “plumber’s helper.” From these humble roots, this unflappable young plumber with a legendary work ethic became an owner of MCC Group by age 36. He was an innovator in his field, becoming an early adopter of the design-build construction delivery method. With the acquisition of a fabrication plant, MCC Group pioneered the use of custom-built, pre-fabricated building systems which are still used in many of the region’s largest buildings. Even as it grew to over 1500 team members as the region’s largest mechanical construction firm, Joe’s work ethic and values never changed.
Following MCC Group's success, he built an expansive hotel and real estate portfolio. Among his favorite hotels that were part of the J Collection included the Bourbon Orleans, Dauphine Orleans, Hotel Mazarin, Maison Dupuy, and Audubon Cottages. Joe took pride in challenging development projects that seemed impossible. He returned the historic Jung Hotel back into commerce on Canal Street. He renovated the historic Holy Angels campus in the Bywater neighborhood. In Flowood, Mississippi, he developed a mixed-use 200 room urban resort with a 54,000 square foot conference center and lazy river adjacent to a renovated golf course.
The ultimate problem solver, Joe invested his time and resources to solve development and business challenges without seeking public acclaim. Using historic tax credits, Joe found a way for NOCCA to expand its campus and after developing it, transferred it to the school. Countless small and emerging businesses owe their start to Joe who provided financing, support, and mentorship.
Generously supporting the people and communities he lived and worked in was not just a virtue to Joe, but a way of life. He took great pride in the thousands of team members at his construction, real estate, and hospitality companies, and to Joe, these team members were part of his extended family and he loved them.
Joe was an active supporter and board chair of the Audubon Nature Institute, and he was a member of several groups and associations, including the YPO, WPO, Delgado Foundation, Associated General Contractors, Mechanical Contractors Association of America, Northshore Community Foundation, Northshore Business Council, and Business Council of New Orleans.
He is survived by his wife, Becky, and sons Joey (Missy) Jaeger, Ryan (Sandi) Jaeger, and Mike Stephens. He is predeceased by his son Todd. He leaves behind grandchildren Alexandra, Brandon, Hailey, Natalie, Samantha, Matthew, Victoria, and Camille. He also leaves behind grandchildren and great grandchildren Ashleigh, Tori, Desmond, Brianne, Brendon, Slade David, and Tommy. He leaves behind his sister Sharlene Macera. He is survived by John Bouey who is also like a son. His godchild is Angelle Esteves.
The family wishes to extend its gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nurses at LCMC’s Lakeview Hospital and Joe’s niece Elizabeth Mercier, an emergency room nurse, who provided outstanding care.
A memorial service will be held at Mardi Gras World at 1:00 p.m. on June 28. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Joe's honor to the Audubon Nature Institute or NOCCA.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Jaeger family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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