James R. Shaffer

West Des Moines

Jim passed away in the wee morning hours of March 4, 2017. He was born on April 13, 1930, the only child of Orson and Leota Shaffer. He lived an idyllic life in Nevada, Iowa where lasting friendships were formed and cherished throughout his life. He was proud to have served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and continued his love of flying for many years until he was grounded by macular degeneration, but even that disease couldn’t stop him from living a vibrant life.

He was a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor, always showing up with a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. Jim loved playing tennis, boating, snow skiing, flying, and traveling. He picked up the game of golf later in life and being a competitive soul, he sometimes created his own rules. Whether two feet or five inches from the hole he would often say “That’s a Jimmy Gimme!” and pick up his ball.

Jim lived in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho where he raised two daughters, had a car dealership and a marina, and then retired in Mesa, Arizona. He married Mary Dixon Weston on March 23, 2000. They lived in Sun City Grand and then moved home to The Lodge of Ashworth.

Jim worked at the VA Hospital in Des Moines since returning to Iowa until a cancer diagnosis caused him to ask for an early retirement at the age of nearly 87.

He is survived by daughters, Debbie and Susan in Idaho; step-daughter, Vicki (Chuck) Colby and their children and grandchildren; along with great friends, Jack Price and Gail and Gary Rhodes.

Jim’s family would like to thank UnityPoint Hospice and Taylor House Hospice for the loving care they provided through his short illness. And thanks to the employees at the VA Hospital who formed a circle of friendship to a blind man who just wanted to give back.

There will be a private family inurnment at Resthaven Cemetery. A Celebration of a “life well lived” will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2017 from 3 to 5 p.m. at The Lodge of Ashworth, 909 Ashworth Rd. in West Des Moines.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to UnityPoint Hospice.