James Earl Schaffer

James Schaffer, 87, of Pampa, died May 18, 2015 in Pampa. Services will be at 10:30 AM Thursday, May 21, 2015, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor, and Robert Beckham, his nephew, officiating. Graveside services will be at 1:30 PM Saturday, May 30, 2015 in Jericho Cemetery in Donley County. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors. Mr. Schaffer was born February 12, 1928 in Gray County to Claude Clifford and Mertie Lula Elms Schaffer. He was the third generation of some of the original settlers in this area. He went to his first years of school in the one-room Schaffer School house, south of Pampa. Eventually, he attended Groom schools where he was an outstanding athlete. In football, he was all-state and even had his jersey retired. James was offered scholarships in both football and basketball, but he chose to join the Merchant Marines. By the time he was 17, he had already sailed around the world on the Liberty Ship and Victory Ship, going to places like India and through the Suez Canal. His ship was one of the first to go to Japan after its surrender. After the war, he returned to Pampa and married Betty Lou Harris on July 24, 1948 in Panhandle. James worked for Phillips Petroleum for 30 years before going into business for himself. He was a member of Pampa Masonic Lodge #966 AF & AM, and was a 60-year Master Mason, and was a member of First Baptist Church. James was preceded in death by a brother, Clifford Schaffer; a sister, Faye Hicks; and a great grandson, Beckam Light. Survivors include his wife Betty Schaffer of the home; a son, Wes Schaffer of Pampa; two daughters, Brenda Guess and husband Mike, and Jamilou Williams and husband Marc (Tiny), all of Pampa; two sisters, Peggy Beckham and husband Doyle of Pampa, and Joan Musser and husband Bill of Yuma, Arizona; four grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Pa,” or “Big Daddy.” Memorials may be made to Jericho Cemetery Association, 1933 Lynn, Pampa, Texas 79065; First Baptist Church, PO Box 621, Pampa, Texas 79066-0621; or Interim Hospice, 2217 Perryton Parkway, Pampa, Texas 79065.