OBITUARIES

<All Obituaries>
Printer Friendly Version


James Schafer, 73

CHESHIRE, Mass. — James E. “Jim” Schafer, 73, of Cheshire, Mass., passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Berkshire Medical Center after a long illness. 

Born December 29, 1943 , in Pittsfield, to Earl F. and Clara Hendra Schafer, he spent his early childhood in Pittsfield, later moving to Mentor, Ohio, where he graduated from Mentor High School in 1962. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1962-1966. 

He returned to Pittsfield where he worked until his retirement as a carpet installer for several stores including Paul Rich, The Linoleum Store, and Sears, as well as for himself. Jim was extremely handy and never met a project he wouldn’t tackle. If he didn’t know how to do it, he would learn. 

He was a great motorcycle enthusiast, riding up until recently, and belonged to the Patriot Guard. In his younger years he was also interested in stock car racing and worked with a D & W Auto team that raced at Lebanon Valley and in the Busch North series. It could also be said that Jim never met a stranger. He was friendly to anyone he encountered and had a knack for making people laugh and feel comfortable. 

Jim is survived by his partner of 34 years, Barbara O’Donnell of Cheshire; his three children, Michael Schafer of Charlotte, N.C., James Schafer (Debora) of Hinsdale, Mass., and Deborah Wubbe (Michael) of Pittsfield; his three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a third on the way; his brother, Tom; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins including his closest cousin JoAnn Barcomb. 

He was predeceased by his father, Earl Schafer; stepfather, Lee Shallies; mother, Clara Shallies; former wife, Eleanor Schafer; sister, Susan Davis; brother-in-law, Tom Davis; sister-in-law, Marguerite Schafer; and many aunts and uncles.

Funeral notice: Calling hours for James E. “Jim” Schafer, 73, of Cheshire, who died September 9, 2017, will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, with Full Military Honors to follow. 

Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Soldier On or the Patriot Guard in care of the funeral home.


Obituary Provided By: Dery Funeral Home

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
Post Comment
No Comments have been left

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

SW Vermont Medical Center

Southwestern Vermont Health Care is a comprehensive health care Hospital. Located in Bennington, VT

svhealthcare.org

You've earned it...

Make your home’s equity work for you. Check out our home equity line of credit rate! Insured by NCUA

Greylock.org

Whitman's Crystal Clean

Janitorial Maintenance, Commercial, Schools, Offices, Banks & Retail Properties-Insured 413-441-6002

www.whitmanscrystalclean.com

Memorials

BUY MEMORIAL