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BORN
1947
DIED
2017
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James Shafer Obituary
Suffolk - James "Jim" Shafer, 69, died January 24, 2017, after a long illness. He was born in Covington, Kentucky but moved early in his life to Hampton, Virginia. He spent his entire life in the Hampton Roads area, settling in Portsmouth where he lived for the rest of his life. He taught social studies in Suffolk for much of his professional career.
Jim was preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Lucille Shafer; brother, Randall Shafer; and nephew, Brandon Shafer. He is survived by brother, Michael Shafer (Mary), sister-in-law, Darlene Shafer; and nephews, David Shafer (Megan), Jason Shafer, and Evan Shafer.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the mausoleum chapel in Parklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Shafer
Sponsored by the family.
Marion Sherrod
February 3, 2017
Mr. Shafer was one of our great teachers at JFK. My prayers are with his family during this difficult time. God bless.
robert Mac Taggart
January 31, 2017
Well Shafer,haven't seen you in a while but we sure spent a lot of time and laughs together from JFK days in 78 to Lakeland days in the 90's.Most memorable where the TGIF times spent in Suffolk and Portsmmouth bars as well as the times playing petanque in Churchland...
Well,mon ami,I just wish now I could be a tiny mouse at the pearly gates and hear what kind of dry joke you'll tell Saint Pete just to get in!!!
Jeanine Doyle
January 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Karen Andrews Thompson
January 31, 2017
Mr Shafer had an impact on so many students. I never had him as a teacher while at John F Kennedy however I stopped by his class many times on behalf of my teacher or spent time after dismissal with my classmates who were in his class. Years later when he attended a JFK reunion, he remained friendly, approachable and that all around nice person. May you all feel comfort knowing that Mr Shafer will be missed by so many.
JOYCE JONES
January 30, 2017
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
William Hill
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was a special teacher who had a unique quality of being able to pass on his knowledge of history to his students in a very special way. It was my pleasure to work with him as a fellow educator while serving as Principal at Lakeland.
Marvin Fanny
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was a breath of fresh air each day I encountered him at Lakeland High School, where we taught together. His wonderful sense of humor made each day better! My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. May the good memories they have of him sustain them in the difficult days and weeks ahead.
Chenita Brown
January 30, 2017
Me. Shaffer wa a great teacher he made the class fun and interesting. He was my home room teacher and first bell. R.I.H. Job well done.
John Consolvo
January 30, 2017
Many thanks to Mr. Shafer for taking a subject most of us teens found completely dull and making it entertaining. We learned without even realizing it - a unique gift.
Kathleen Koch Coleman
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was in a class by himself! Even as a student you could tell that there was great camaraderie between him and his colleagues. He was interesting, animated and dedicated as a teacher. Thirty-one year's later, I can't remember them all, but I will always remember Mr. Shafer. God bless him and give comfort to his family.
Ed and Cheryl Sawyer
January 30, 2017
Shafer introduced us to Las Vegas. What great times we had there with him and his Mom. What a blessing he was in our lives.
Trevece Hall
January 30, 2017
A wonderful teacher at Lakeland High. Rest In Peace sir
Christine Saul
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was one of my favorite teachers at Lakeland HS. He had a way of making sure the information stuck with the students. He was very funny, sarcastic, witty and simply amazing.
Valerie Stark-Mendez
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was my absolute favorite teacher. He encouraged my love of history. I remember him as being so funny, and so very dedicated.
Lura Gardner Bishton
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was among my favorite teachers at JFK. He didn't just lecture about history, he entertained his classes with wonderful stories that were not told in the textbooks. He had a great sense of humor and spoke sarcasm fluently. I always looked forward to his class. I hope he knows the positive impact he had on so many students throughout the years.
Christina Riddick-Elliott
January 30, 2017
Rest on,Mr.Shafer.He was such a good teacher.He didn't play no games,when it came to school work.LHS,class of 94!!!Rest onMy condolences to the family
Joan Turner
January 30, 2017
WOW, this is so sad. What a great teacher at John F. Kennedy High School. he will truly be missed.
Rosalie Lehman-Bryan & Family
January 30, 2017
Mr. Shafer was one of our neighbors, here at Westwinds. We will remember him for his smile, laugh, & wit. My daughter & I first met him at our community pool, shortly after we moved in many years ago. After that first meeting, he would smile, wave, & strike up a conversation. He will be greatly missed.
Dawn King
January 30, 2017
Mr. Schafer was my history teacher at JFK, 1985. He was a special individual and will be truly missed. My condolences and prayers go out to the Shafer family.
God Bless.
Dawn King
Ginny Napier
January 29, 2017
Shafer was a truly dedicated teacher. I enjoyed working with him back in the 1970's at Kennedy HS.
Chris Hawkins
January 29, 2017
Mr. Shafer was on if the teachers that stands out through my 12 years in the Suffolk School system. He was a caring man and it showed with his students. Always pleasant. RIP Sir.
Suzanne Langston
January 29, 2017
Shafer was a great storyteller, teacher, and friend. We spent many lunches at Lakeland trading stories and laughing. If laughter is the best medicine, Shafer gave us a double dose of medicine that revived us and left us ready to go back to our classes with a smile on our faces. He was one of the most unique people I have ever known.
Jane Bleiler
January 29, 2017
My condolences to the family. I was a long-time colleague of Shafer's at JFK. He was truly an educator "for the passion - not the paycheck". He will certainly liven up those faculty meetings in Heaven with his comic relief.
Jean Draper
January 29, 2017
Shafer was such an influential person in helping me develop my teaching style. I can't imagine what my beginning years would have been like without him. He lives in his students and colleagues.
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