James D. "Jim" Shaffer

James D. "Jim" Shaffer, age 77, of Dubuque, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. To celebrate Jim's life, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, is assisting the family.

Jim was born on March 2, 1944, in Dubuque, son of William and Edna (Maas) Shaffer.

Jim attended school at St. Joseph's Grade School and Dubuque Senior High School before going out into the world and entering the work force. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rosalie Peterson on June 26, 1965, at St. Mary's Church in Dubuque. They have been truly blessed with 56 years of marriage and 4 wonderful children. He went to work at Hodge Transit Warehouse in 1969, and retired in 1999, after 30 years of service. After retiring at the age of 55, Jim devoted another 20 years to watching his grandchildren. In his free time, Jim enjoyed bowling, playing golf, fishing, tending to his garden and tinkering on projects in the garage. However, Jim's main priority in life was always taking care of his family. He had a unique way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room when you were talking with him. His smile was infectious, and if you were having a rough day his smile could turn it around for you. For those blessed to have known Jim, you know he leaves a lasting impression. He was an extremely generous, kindhearted man who selflessly gave his time to others. Jim was an exemplary role model for all, teaching us how to show unconditional love to others, just like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Those treasuring memories of him, and waiting to walk beside him again include

his beloved wife,
Rosalie Shaffer, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Robert Shaffer, Dubuque, IA,
Christy (Gary) Belisle, Madison, WI
and Amy (Mike) Becker, Dubuque, IA;

his grandchildren,
Amber (Darrell), Jake, Jesse, Dennis, Evan, Claire, Alaina, Grace, Alexander and Emily;

his great-grandchildren,
Saria, Kairei, Mayson and Oakley;

a brother,
Harold (Sue) Shaffer, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Lynn (Vince) Jellison; his sisters, Alice Voels, Rita Pfab, Lorraine Dimitroff, Shirley Mihalakis and Mary Breitbach; and his brothers, Irvin, Donald, John "Jack", Leonard, Richard "Dick", William "Billy" and Clarence Shaffer.

Jim's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of MercyOne for all of their kind, attentive and professional care.

The family will thankfully receive your support through phone calls, greeting cards and memorials in Jim's memory which may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. James Shaffer Family.