John Schaefer

1930 - 2016

September 14, 1930 - August 29, 2016

John Milner Schaefer died peacefully on August 29, 2016. His passing brings to a close the life of one of San Antonio's most outspoken and accomplished citizens. Fondly known as "Ace" and "Army John", he was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 14th, 1930 to Sam and Emmamay Schaefer. He was an Eagle Scout. He attended Jefferson High School and Texas A&M University. As an honors student and member of the academic fraternities Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. John was a devoted Aggie.

Upon graduation, John served as 1st Lieutenant in the Korean War. Stationed above the 38th Parallel, he was posted near the front lines and served as Quartermaster for a large garrison of U.S. and South Korean troops. Lieutenant Schaefer was known for fierce loyalty to his men. After completing his tour, he returned to San Antonio and married the love of his life, Nancy Jane Hardee, in Chandler, Texas.

John was an astute businessman and civic leader. His company, Schaefer Homes, operated for more than 55 years. At its peak, 250 homes were built annually in San Antonio and El Paso. John's real estate developments in San Antonio include well-known subdivisions such as Churchill Estates, Northern Hills, Castle Hills Forest, Lakeside, Foster Meadows, Wheatley Heights, and Woodridge. John also acquired and developed apartment complexes in San Antonio, Schertz, Houston, Baytown, El Paso, and Odessa.

Among his many other business interests, John was majority shareholder of Ameritex Minerals. He co-owned car dealerships in New Braunfels and Baytown, Texas. He co-owned the Farmco convenience store chain with close friend Tex Farmer, which grew to 60 locations. He held ownership positions in a mortgage company, title company, lumber company, and other ventures too numerous to mention.

Of all his accomplishments, perhaps the greatest was John's role in bringing the Spurs to San Antonio and serving as the first Chairman of the Board. John knew the value a professional sports team would bring to the City and he worked hard to make it a reality. He knew this would "put San Antonio on the map."

John served as Chairman of the San Antonio Water Board from 1974-1981. John was an original Founder and Director and Shareholder of Clear Channel Communications as well as the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.

John was also a Board Member of the Aggie Club, original shareholder and organizer of the Board of Directors for NBC Randolph Bank, original shareholder and organizer of the Board of Directors of Suburban Savings, Advisory Board Member of the Small Business Administration, Board Member of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, Director of the Texas Builders Association, Board Member of the City South Management Authority, and Charter Member of Game Conservation International.

John's deep sense of fairness emerged in his lifelong political involvement with candidates and important issues. He directed the US Senate campaigns of his and Nancy's Uncle, Ralph Yarborough, in Bexar County. In San Antonio he encouraged and supported numerous successful mayoral and council candidates. In 1960 while attending the National Democratic Convention in Los Angeles he helped persuade Kennedy's advisors that LBJ would be an asset on the ticket both in Texas and in the South. Throughout his career John's council was sought and valued by candidates and elected officials alike on local, state and national levels.

John owned farming and ranching interests in Texas, Wyoming, Kansas, Kenya, and Argentina. His Texas ranch, the Diamond 'S', was his and Nancy's second home and a gathering place of many decades for family and friends. The annual pilgrimage to his Wyoming ranch was a sacred opportunity for John to entertain and be with his close friends. His African adventures totaled more than 20 safaris and he loved to fly-fish in Argentina. No matter the locale, John was knowledgeable and skilled in the rigors of outdoor life. His many hunts throughout Africa, Argentina, British Columbia and Alaska, witnessed John supremely in his element. In terms of skill and prowess, his guides and professional hunters regarded him a peer, rather than a client. He proudly referred to himself as "Ace Guide Service" as he created unforgettable hunting and fishing experiences for family, friends, and their children.

John touched the lives of many people with his acts of kindness and support. He had a heart of gold. He was loyal to his family and friends. He told great stories and had a wonderful sense of humor. John was truly one of a kind and will never be forgotten. He would often say, "How sweet it is!" His passing leaves heartbroken family and friends with the cherished memory of how sweet it was.

John is predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy, his parents Sam and Emmamay, and his brother Tom, and sister Dixie Creed. He is survived by his daughter Susannah Schaefer Carroll and husband James, daughter Jane Schaefer and husband Tony Eugenio, son Sam Schaefer, grandchildren Catherine Carroll Landis and husband Patrick, Victoria Grace Huffines, John Marco Schaefer Eugenio, and great grandchildren William Schaefer Landis and Margaret Grace Landis.

The family would like to thank the Forum staff and John's personal caregivers, Martin Castro and James Alexander for their thoughtful care in the final chapter of his life.

A funeral service celebrating John's life will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke's Lane, in San Antonio, on Wednesday, September 7th, at 1:00. The Reverend David G. Read will officiate. A reception will follow at the home of Jane Schaefer and Tony Eugenio. Interment will be by private service at the Diamond 'S' Ranch.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Schaefer Branch Public Library, C/O San Antonio Public Library Foundation at 625 Shook Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78212, or to Texas A&M University.

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