James Russell 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