James E. “Jim” Schafer, 73, of Cheshire, Massachusetts, passed away Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Berkshire Medical Center after a long illness. Born December 29, 1943 in Pittsfield, to Earl F. and Clara
Hendra Schafer, he spent his early childhood in Pittsfield, later moving to Mentor, Ohio, where he graduated from Mentor High School in 1962. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country from 1962-1966. He returned to Pittsfield where he worked until his retirement as a carpet installer for several stores including Paul Rich, The Linoleum Store, and Sears, as well as for himself. Jim was extremely handy and never met a project he wouldn’t tackle. If he didn’t know how to do it, he would learn. He was a great motorcycle enthusiast, riding up until recently, and belonged to the Patriot Guard. In his younger years he was also interested in stock car racing and worked with a D & W Auto team that raced at Lebanon Valley and in the Busch North series. It could also be said that Jim never met a stranger. He was friendly to anyone he encountered and had a knack for making people laugh and feel comfortable. Jim is survived by his partner of 34 years, Barbara O’Donnell of Cheshire; his three children, Michael Schafer of Charlotte, NC, James Schafer (Debora) of Hinsdale, MA and Deborah Wubbe (Michael) of Pittsfield; his three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a third on the way; his brother, Tom; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins including his closest cousin JoAnn Barcomb. He was predeceased by his father, Earl Schafer; step-father, Lee Shallies; mother, Clara Shallies; former wife, Eleanor Schafer; sister, Susan Davis; brother-in-law, Tom Davis; sister-in-law, Marguerite Schafer, and many aunts and uncles.FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling Hours for James E. “Jim” Schafer, 73, of Cheshire who died September 9, 2017 will be held Saturday, September 16, 10 to 12p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 BRADFORD ST., PITTSFIELD with Full Military Honors to follow. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Soldier On or the Patriot Guard in care of the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence with Jim’s family please visit www.deryfuneralhome.com