James Alfred Shaffer

James Alfred Shaffer of Harrod passed away 9:09 am May13, 2018 at Willow Ridge - Frieda House, Bluffton.

He was born in rural Henry County, OH on October 12, 1927 to Guy Andrew and Lena Esther (Schlotz) Shaffer who preceded him in death.  On August 27, 1950, he married Marilyn Reid who survives in Harrod.

Jim was a graduate of McClure High School, The Ohio State University, and the University of Dayton.  He taught vocational agriculture and ag business for several years.  He taught at Auglaize Local Schools, Ada High School, Elmwood High School and retired from Riverdale Local Schools.  He also worked for Purity Feeds for 17 years.

He served in the Navy and was in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 42 years.

He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and attended Union Chapel Missionary Church.  Previously he had served as superintendent and lay leader for the United Methodist Church.

Jim was an avid OSU Buckeye fan.  He will always be remembered for his love of children of all ages.

He is survived by his son David (Vivien) of Harrod and daughter Jo (Bruce) McConnell of Spencerville; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Shaffer (Steve Etzler, friend) of Harrod, Matthew (Bethany) Shaffer of Wapakoneta, Douglas (Ann Marie) Shaffer of Canal Winchester, Nathan (Jenny) McConnell of Canal Fulton, Rachel (Jon) Koester of Lima, Tyler McConnell (Morgan Pugh, friend) of Spencerville, and Claire McConnell (Billy Taflinger, fiancé) of Spencerville; and eight great grandchildren, Kyle and Zane Newland, Autumn, Lauren, Elijah, and Isaiah Shaffer, Sofia and Sadie McConnell.  He was preceded in death by siblings Catherine (Ivan) Johnson and Robert (Marlyn) Shaffer.

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM – 8:00PM on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Chamberlain-Huckereide Funeral Home, 920 North Cable Road, Lima.  A celebration of life will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11:00AM. Friends may visit one hour prior to service from 10:00AM-11:00AM. Officiating the service will be Pastor Mark Bayliff and Chaplain Bill Herr.

Military honors by VFW Post 1275.

The family would like to thank the nurses and shahbazim of Willow Ridge – Frieda House for their excellent care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Union Chapel Missionary Church, 4869 Ada Road, Lima, OH 45801 or charity of the donor’s choice