- Born on: November 14, 1943
- Departed on: August 15, 2026
- Resided in: Toddville, IA
Jimmy "Jim" Schafer
Jimmy "Jim" Eugene Schafer, 82, passed away unexpectedly at his acreage in Toddville on August 15, 2026. While he was in no hurry for this event, if it had to happen, the fact it was there and not in some facility was as he would have wanted it. A drop-in celebration of Jim's life will be held at Big Grove Brewery, 170 First Street SW, in Cedar Rapids on Monday, September 7 from 1:00-4:00. He would want this to be a casual affair, so dress in whatever makes you comfortable.
Jim was born on November 14, 1943, in Warsaw, Illinois, to Benjamin and Gladys (Gladwell) Schafer. He graduated from Warsaw Senior High School and then served in the Army. On November 25, 1965, he married Cheryl (Chery) Norenberg. They enjoyed 38 years together before her passing in 2003. He retired from In Tolerance Manufacturing where he was fortunate to build lifelong friendships through the company's close-knit atmosphere.
Jim was one of 12 children—and learned early how to overcome hardship when his father died when he was just 13. A lean childhood fueled his desire to build a good life for himself and his family. Jim was a solidly good man: he worked hard, took care of his family, and was a loyal friend.
He never stopped working to build a good life and home for the people he loved. He helped care for his mom as she aged. In the 1970s, he worked a full-time job and spent his evenings and weekends building a house for his family.
Chery was the love of his life. Through good times and bad, she knew Jim would always be there for her. He supported her hobbies—even when that meant doing things he didn’t like: riding horses, spending hours at antique shops and auctions, or looking at real estate she found in the Penny Saver. When she was sick, he made sure she was cared for and stayed by her side to the end.
He was also a great dad, teaching lessons - whether they were wanted or not. The overweight 6th grader who was being picked on was given love and reminded that he mattered. The 16-year-old who was upset about not getting a car was taken on a walk—against his will—and learned that there will always be something more to want, but if you can’t appreciate what you have, you’ll never be happy. And the adult son who watched Jim keep his word and keep moving forward, even through loss, learned what he needs to do now.
His daughter-in-law knew he loved, admired, and respected her, that he always had her back—and that he loved her chocolate chip cookies. His granddaughters will miss the man who taught them to fish, loved playing his guitar and making homemade pies, demonstrated the importance of family, and always took them out for birthday meals. They will carry his love and example with them.
Sunday family meals may only be smaller by one person, but for a while, they will feel much, much smaller. Jim would want us to remember him, but he would also want us to keep moving forward. To honor the man we all love, we will try.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Schafer and siblings Benjamin “Wesley” Schafer, Bessie Roberson, Dorothy McCall, Leona “Louise” Baldwin, John Schafer,
George Schafer, Helen Tallman, Alice Hansen, and Robert Lee “Bobby” Schafer.
He is survived by his son, James (Maureen) Schafer of Coralville; granddaughters Adriana (Felipe) Schafer-Vidal and Lauren Schafer, both of Iowa City; brothers Franklin D Schafer “Frank” (Susan), Ransomeville New York and Warren “Dale” (Nancy) Schafer, Palmyra Missouri; along with nieces, nephews, and many special friends, including his 'Crumbles' group who met every Thursday and his Monday meatloaf lunch group.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honor to the American Diabetes Association or the National M.S. Society.
Jim was born on November 14, 1943, in Warsaw, Illinois, to Benjamin and Gladys (Gladwell) Schafer. He graduated from Warsaw Senior High School and then served in the Army. On November 25, 1965, he married Cheryl (Chery) Norenberg. They enjoyed 38 years together before her passing in 2003. He retired from In Tolerance Manufacturing where he was fortunate to build lifelong friendships through the company's close-knit atmosphere.
Jim was one of 12 children—and learned early how to overcome hardship when his father died when he was just 13. A lean childhood fueled his desire to build a good life for himself and his family. Jim was a solidly good man: he worked hard, took care of his family, and was a loyal friend.
He never stopped working to build a good life and home for the people he loved. He helped care for his mom as she aged. In the 1970s, he worked a full-time job and spent his evenings and weekends building a house for his family.
Chery was the love of his life. Through good times and bad, she knew Jim would always be there for her. He supported her hobbies—even when that meant doing things he didn’t like: riding horses, spending hours at antique shops and auctions, or looking at real estate she found in the Penny Saver. When she was sick, he made sure she was cared for and stayed by her side to the end.
He was also a great dad, teaching lessons - whether they were wanted or not. The overweight 6th grader who was being picked on was given love and reminded that he mattered. The 16-year-old who was upset about not getting a car was taken on a walk—against his will—and learned that there will always be something more to want, but if you can’t appreciate what you have, you’ll never be happy. And the adult son who watched Jim keep his word and keep moving forward, even through loss, learned what he needs to do now.
His daughter-in-law knew he loved, admired, and respected her, that he always had her back—and that he loved her chocolate chip cookies. His granddaughters will miss the man who taught them to fish, loved playing his guitar and making homemade pies, demonstrated the importance of family, and always took them out for birthday meals. They will carry his love and example with them.
Sunday family meals may only be smaller by one person, but for a while, they will feel much, much smaller. Jim would want us to remember him, but he would also want us to keep moving forward. To honor the man we all love, we will try.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Schafer and siblings Benjamin “Wesley” Schafer, Bessie Roberson, Dorothy McCall, Leona “Louise” Baldwin, John Schafer,
George Schafer, Helen Tallman, Alice Hansen, and Robert Lee “Bobby” Schafer.
He is survived by his son, James (Maureen) Schafer of Coralville; granddaughters Adriana (Felipe) Schafer-Vidal and Lauren Schafer, both of Iowa City; brothers Franklin D Schafer “Frank” (Susan), Ransomeville New York and Warren “Dale” (Nancy) Schafer, Palmyra Missouri; along with nieces, nephews, and many special friends, including his 'Crumbles' group who met every Thursday and his Monday meatloaf lunch group.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's honor to the American Diabetes Association or the National M.S. Society.
