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BORN
1938
DIED
2022
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James Schaaf Obituary
July 13, 2022
Overland Park, Kansas - James "Jim" H. Schaaf, 84, of Overland Park, KS died peacefully on July 13, 2022, at a Kansas City hospice after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Born May 22, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Marion Etwein.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Julia Schaaf; along with two children; Jill Schaaf of Chicago, IL and James Schaaf of Overland Park, KS; and two grandchildren, Christopher Schaaf and Graham Schaaf. Jim was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to everyone.
Jim graduated from Cathedral Prep High School, Class of 1955. He lettered in several sports including track, baseball and football. He was selected to the Erie Times-News All-Time City team and All-Time County team. In addition, he was inducted into the Cathedral Prep Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
Following graduation, Jim received a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN where he started at left guard 1957-1958. The 1957 7-0 upset of Oklahoma to end the Sooners' 47-game winning streak was a playing career highlight. He graduated with a BA in Economics, Class of 1959.
Jim's passion for sports lead him to make them a part of his professional life. From 1961-1966 he worked with the Kansas City Athletics of Major League Baseball. In 1966, he returned to his true passion, football, by joining the Kansas City Chiefs where he enjoyed a 23 year career that included the Chiefs' first Super Bowl win on January 11, 1970. In 1989 he founded Jim Schaaf & Associates, a sports insurance brokerage firm, where he worked until 2016.
A special thank you to the people at Care Haven Homes in Prairie Village, KS for their loving care and support during his fight with Alzheimer's Disease.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 22, 2022 at Curé of Ars Church at 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, KS. In lieu of flowers, those that wish to remember Jim in a special way may make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, (alz.org), or the charity of their choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Schaaf
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
5 Entries
Suzanne Marie Hill
February 12, 2023
Dear Schaaf Families:
I am a third cousin to Mr. Schaaf. My Dad Mr. Burrel Wagner was his cousin through their Mothers. So sorry to learn oh his passing. Will keep him and his family in our prayers.
God Bless-Suzanne Wagner Hill and Family
Karen Monk
October 10, 2022
Julie, Jill, and James: I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I did not know him later in life but it sounds like he had a great run:) He certainly had a wonderful family! Wishing you comfort and peace. Karen (Nieman) Monk
Tom Heintz
August 2, 2022
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. One of my father's favorite people when Jim was in the Chiefs' organization. I understood why when I met him. A very warm, friendly individual. My sincere condolences to the family, especially my former students Jill and Jim.
Edward M Lahey
July 18, 2022
My sympathies to Jim´s family. We were classmates and I was a manager on the football team. Although we were not close friends, we were good friends and he was always a class act. We are the same age within a month. The smile on his photo above is the way I will remember him. Best to all the family, Ed Lahey,Class´59
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Funeral services provided by:
Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory - Kansas City1835 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102
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