Jonathon Nagem

Jonathon (Jon) Nagem, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, was welcomed into heaven on September 28, 2020. He was actually set to retire on this exact day. And if we can’t have him here with us, we love knowing he’s enjoying his sunset season in a magnificent sanctuary, complete with gilded streets, glorious praise of angels, and closeness to his Heavenly Father.

Born on November 18, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jon graduated from LaGrange High School and attended Northeast University where he earned a bachelor’s degree as well as a PhD in Pharmacy. In 1970, he was drafted into the military while attending McNeese State University and served in the Vietnam War as an United States Army NCO Sergeant (E-5).

He and his beloved wife, Carmen, were married in 1973, meeting through Carmen’s brothers with whom he hunted and fished. They enjoyed life together for 47 years, rich with love, laughter, kids, grandkids, and travel. And he never took off his wedding ring – a small but striking habit his family admired, demonstrative of his adoration and respect for his forever bride. Entrepreneurial in spirit, he opened his first retail business, Thrifty Way Pharmacy, in 1981, just off Highway 171. After obtaining a third degree in nuclear medicine from Purdue University, he then opened a nuclear pharmacy on Lake Street in 2005 and somehow found time to teach pharmacy students from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. The nuclear lab still operates today.

Aside from his million-dollar smile, Jon will be remembered for his gentle nature, humble spirit, sense of humor, passion, and genuine love for and interest in people. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed seeing all parts of our beautiful country in his RV with Carmen and his dog, Louie, in tow. He loved the beach, spending time at his condo, and taking in majestic sunrises and sunsets, breathing in the peace and freedom they brought him. And he valued his faith as a devoted member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church.

His life is a tapestry woven with a passion for learning, a tremendous work ethic, sacrifice for his family, service within his community, loyalty, honesty, and integrity. He leaves us inspired by the dreamer he was - husband, father, and grandfather he was – and the kind of businessman he sought to be for decades, unwavering in his commitment to and care for his customers (even when on vacation!)

Jon’s legacy will be carried on by his treasured wife, Carmen F. Nagem, and their three children: daughter, Lori (39), and her three children: Maddox, Vivianne, and Scarlette Gary;  son, Jonathon (36), his wife, Torrie, and their four children: Mason, Eli, Carter, and Elle; daughter, LeAnne (34); his dog, Louie; his brothers, Dr. Edmund Nagem, Jr. (Kitty) of Salem, South Carolina; and David Nagem (Jan) of Moss Bluff, Louisiana; and sister, Lisa Stevens (fiancé’, D.J. Fournerat) of Lafayette, Louisiana.

We will celebrate Jon’s life with a visitation service and memorial ceremony at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church in Lake Charles on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 9:30am and 10:30am, respectively. A private burial service will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to COVID-19 research, and as required by the church, the family asks that attendees wear masks and socially distance themselves while at the services.

The family would like to express their grateful appreciation for the compassionate care given their beloved husband and father to the doctors and staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and AMG Specialty Hospital, both of Lafayette.