Jack is from Erie, Pennsylvania where his parents Gustave and Catherine Schaefer raised him and his younger brother Bill. He left Erie to attend college in Michigan where he met his wife, Joanie (McLeish) Schaefer. He received a total of 2 bachelor's degrees and one master's degree. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 64 years, his daughter Jackie (Bill) Jackman, his son Jeff (Kristy) Schaefer and his daughter Julie (Mike) MacDonald. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Billy (Chelsey) Jackman, Lindsey (Chris Hoydic) Jackman, Myles Jackman, Dayna Schaefer, Jacob Schaefer, Lelaina MacDonald, Dezmond MacDonald and Ozzie Jackman. He also has several grand doggies and grand kitties. He was always very proud of his family and the closeness they shared. Jack was equally as funny as he was successful in his lifetime. He could often be found telling jokes, hilarious stories or physical reenactments of events in humorous ways. He worked for Detroit Edison for many, many years before finally retiring (after failing the first time around and going back to work). He was a metallurgical and chemical engineer and loved every minute of it. He was proud of his efforts at work and loved being a part of the DTE workforce. He enjoyed Tigers baseball, Steelers football, spending time with his grandkids, getting the best price for a gallon of gas, boating, garbage-picking, fixing things, listening to music (really loudly), working on cars and hanging out in Ohio (Oak Harbor) or Florida (Anna Maria Island). He was a very unique man with a talent to capture an audience and make people smile. He will be forever missed in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to have known him.
In memory of a shining light who brightened our lives.
A final viewing at church for John will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at St Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48152, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.
