James Paul “Jim” Schafer was born September 27, 1957 in Sioux City, Iowa to Marvin and Mary “Pat” Schafer. He graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, Sioux City, Iowa class of 1976 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa in 1981.

He was in the LED lighting industry for several years and was currently Key Account Manager for Osram Optio Semiconductors.

He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in LaGrange and was active in Knights of Columbus and Trail Life. Over the years he has been involved in Cursillo, Marriage Encounter and Lifeteen.

He was married to Kerry Kooima Schafer for 38 years. They were married in Iowa and moved to Arizona in 1988 then to Georgia in 2011. He had two children: Eric James Schafer (wife April Haas Schafer), Milton, Florida and Leah Marie Schafer, Phoenix, Arizona. His sisters are Catherine Schafer Stokes (spouse Rich), Janet Schafer Anderson, Virginia “Ginger” Schafer Dunn and Patricia Schafer McKeever (spouse Russell). He has numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, his big laugh and warm smile welcomed everyone. He loved spending time working in the yard or following his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling teams.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.

A visitation will be held Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00am Friday, March 10, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church, Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:00am.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com<http://www.shlagrange.com>.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636