James R. Schaffer, 82, of Summerfield, FL, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2018. He was born to Harry and Louise (Schmidt) Schaffer on June 14, 1936 in Columbia, IL.
Jim graduated from Assumption High School, Southern Illinois University, served in the United States Navy, and married the love of his life Janet Eschmann in 1965. He will be missed dearly by many.
Jim had a successful career in Labor Relations, and after retirement from Ford Motor Company, he and his wife Jan moved to Florida. First to Punta Gorda and then they settled in Summerfield, FL in the community of Del Webb Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club. Prior to Florida, Jim lived in Lee’s Summit, MO; Edina, MN; St. Louis, MO; and Columbia, IL. Jim lived life to the fullest and loved to travel with his wife and family, play golf, bowl, ride his bike for hours each day, play cards, and spend time with family and friends. He was involved in The Knights of Columbus, Veteran’s Club, German American Club, Bocce Ball Club, and Del Webb Car Club.
He is survived by his loving wife Janet of 53 years; son, J.R. (Stacy) Schaffer; daughter, Angie (Todd) Maxwell; grandchildren, Olivia Schaffer, Payton Maxwell, Shayna Brazeal, and Tommy Maxwell; sister Kathleen Kutterer, sister-in-law Maxine Schaffer and many nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harry.
Services will be held in Columbia, IL on Friday, October 12th at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at the church; followed by Mass at 11 a.m.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ted and Diane Brandley Hospice House in Summerfield, FL or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
