Born June 21, 1941 in Creve Coeur Illinois to Amos and Marie (Schnellbacher) Schafer. He married Sheila J. Tibbs (Whitehurst) on March 4, 1960 in Glasford Illinois.
He is survived by his wife Sheila of 61 years; two sons Kurt (Tammy) Schafer, John (Cassie) Schafer; four grandchildren, Anthony, Austin, Delaney and Grace; and one great-grandson Andrew Montecalvo. He is also survived by brothers Ken (Sherrill) Schafer and Bruce (Lauretta) Schafer and sisters Linda (Malcolm) Dove and LuEllen Schafer. He was preceded in death by his parents Amos and Marie Schafer, and brother Gene Schafer.
He joined the US Coast Guard in 1959 and is a member of American Legion Post 35. He was also a member of Peoria County Farm Bureau. He farmed all his life and partnered with his son Kurt in the farming and trucking business. Jim worked at Keystone Steel & Wire for 39 years as a Maintenance Welder. Jim loved his Peterbuilt and the comradery of fellow truckers.
Jim was a member of Mount Olive Missionary Church and now attends Faith Missionary Church in Bartonville. Jim took eight missionary trips to Haiti, one to Mexico, and one to West Africa. Jim loved fishing and spent a couple of weeks in Canada fishing with friends and family for about 15 years. Jim was a loving husband, proud father, wonderful grandpa, and a proud American.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Pastor Craig Hislope will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to the services.
Burial will be in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Mapleton with Military Rites.
Please send any memorials to Faith Missionary Church or Glasford American Legion Post 35.
You may view James obituary online at www.davisonfultonbartonvillechapel.com
