Bill was born in Queens, New York to William and Eleanor (Phelps) Jagde. He later moved to Long Island where he attended Hicksville High School (Class of ’76). After high school, he ended up with a lifelong career in the electrical business, retiring from Independent Electric in Arizona in 2024. In the late 1990s, he developed a new passion for landscape photography. While he still had to keep his day job, the photography hobby allowed him to travel to many amazing places both home and abroad. He particularly enjoyed photographing national parks. In 2009, he left behind the snowy New York winters to begin a new life in sunny Arizona, and he enjoyed the beauty of his adopted state (although he remained loyal to his New York Yankees and New York Rangers).
Bill had two amazing children with his high school sweetheart Debbie – Brian and Jennifer who he loved and adored. When those children were well into adulthood, he did the parenting journey again when he met April and helped raise her son, Andrew, instilling in him a love of art, nature, music, and the world. He was thrilled to be a grandfather to Luke, Abby, and Kyllion.
Bill had almost 29 years of sobriety and spent many years as an active member of AA. It would be an understatement to call him a music addict. He had a broad taste in music, but he loved the Grateful Dead and jazz the most. This love of music led to many friendships with other music lovers, and he embraced the philosophy that everyone should practice being kind.
He and April resided in Mesa. They enjoyed the Desert Botanical Garden, concerts at the MIM, listening to Andrew learn to play Miles Davis on his trumpet, and Bill enjoyed being April’s built-in designated driver for her wine tastings in the Verde Valley. He also slowly converted to being an animal lover, bonding with the true boss of the household, Max the cat. While his mobility issues the last few years of his life hampered his physical abilities, his spirit remained strong and upbeat, living his life in the best way he could. He left this world way too soon and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his wife April Elliott, brother Stephen (Gwen) Jagde, sister Janice (Joe) Talento, son Brian (Jenna) Jagde, daughter Jennifer (Scott) Meyersburg, stepson Andrew Elliott, and grandchildren Luke, Abby, and Kyllion.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
“May the four winds blow you safely home.”
Robert Hunter
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
What a great guy / person always there to help no matter what. Loved the conversations we had and the no b.s. attitude Bill always carried. Miss you brother
IHG
JW
I loved having Bill as a brother in law. He was always so kind to everyone and took amazing landscape photos. He had wonderful tales to tell. He was so good to my sister, April and his stepson Andy. He always beamed with pride when talked about his children and grandchildren. Bill, rest in peace until we meet again down the road.
Cindy