James Russell Shaffer
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James Russell Shaffer, 85, of Gap, passed away on Friday, February 15, 2013 at the Coatesville V.A. Medical Center hospice facility. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Eleanor Grace (Payne) Shaffer.
Born in Compass, West Caln Twp. on November 28, 1927, James was the son of the late Russell George and Viola Blanche (Ritenour) Shaffer. He was a 1945 graduate of Scott High School in Coatesville. James and Eleanor owned and operated Shaffer’s Snack Bar at 318 Main Street, Parkesburg from 1950 to 1951. James worked for 42 years as a Millwright for the former Lukens Steel Company, retiring in 1993.
James served honorably in the US Navy during World War II. He was on active duty from 1945 to 1946, and in the Naval Reserves from 1946 to 1951.
He was a member of the Brandywine-Goddard Lodge No. 383 F.&A.M.; as well as the Rajah Temple of Reading. Throughout his life he pursued many hobbies including, photography, fishing, golf, jewelry making, antiquing, and automotive repair.
He is survived by his two loving daughters, Diane Carol (Shaffer) Torrance, wife of Aaron Frank McCrory Torrance of Princeton, NJ, and Pamela Jeanne (Shaffer) Hockenberry, wife of Thomas Matthew Hockenberry of Minneapolis, MN, and his long time friend and companion Anna Pratt Sweigart, and five grandchildren, Sophia Grace Torrance, Mitchell James Hockenberry, Dylan Hugh Torrance, David Matthew Hockenberry, and Katherine Grace Hockenberry. He is predeceased by his four siblings; Miles Donald Shaffer, Priscilla Ritenour (Shaffer) Bowder, Louise Viola (Shaffer) Edgar, Mary Ellen (Shaffer) Steffy. He is survived by his brother-in-law, John Steffy Jr.
The viewing will be held at the Wilde Funeral Home, 434 Main St., Parkesburg on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 from 6 until 7:45 PM, at which time there will be a Masonic Service. At 8 PM there will be a memorial service. Interment will be held at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville on Friday, February 22, 2013. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster County at www.hospiceconnect.org/give .
Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
With Deepest Sympathy
We were so sorry to hear that Uncle Jim passed away last Friday. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to each of you at this very difficult time. Uncle Jim was one of the greatest people we've ever known. He never left home without his big, warm smile, and always made every feel so special. He was a truly remarkable man who gave us inspiration to never, ever give up. He fought a valiant, arduous battle with his cancer for a very long time. He will be missed by many because he was so loved by many. Again ... our deepest sympathies with love.
~ Randy and Fran
Heartfelt Condolences
Dearest Diane and Family:
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your father. His brief resume I am sure does not cover the magnitude of his life. As a fellow veteran and Free Mason I would like to pay honor to his service.
With love and deepest sympathies,
Arthur and Kyoko French and Family
Minneapolis
My thoughts are with you and your family
Diane,
There is no way to make up for the loss of a parent, the things that help are your own children and family and knowing how much others care about you.
Please know my htoughts are with you, Aaron,Sophia and Dylan.
My deepest sympathy,
Bell
Condolence to the family
Dear Diane and Family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts and we are praying for you and your family. Bonnie passed on the message to me so I will let some of our other Library friends know. Sending our love to you. Jim & Gloria Rich
Our loving prayers are being
Our loving prayers are being sent to all of the Shaffer family. Jimmy was a great man! God Bless!
Dear Diane and Pam, We were
Dear Diane and Pam,
We were so sorry to hear about the death of your father. We have very fond memories of your family. Our thoughts are with you and your families.
Fondly,
Mary Ann Nielsen, Samantha Nielsen Gauthier, Gretchen Nielsen, and Kristen Nielsen Kramer
Hello
Thank you kindly. It is great to hear from you again
Our Thoughts and Prayers Are With You
Dear Diane and Family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time for you all. My experience tells me that you will find your father again in the quietest and simplest of times. Listen carefully as the world is loud. Virtual hugs.
My thoughts are with you...
Diane, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Monika
Dear Diane & Pam - As you
Dear Diane & Pam - As you remember, my Aunt Dot Lawrence was your next door neighbor. My most sincere condolences on Jim's Passing. I was unable to pay my respects in person. Such a great guy to talk with. he gave me his pipe rack when he stopped smoking back in the 1980s and I still have it.