James Shafer

James A. Shafer, 85, of Pima passed away August 27, 2009. A viewing will be Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary starting at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be conducted Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. James Albert Shafer, beloved husband and father, passed peacefully from this world to the arms of God on Thursday, August 27, 2009. Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois to Kathleen M. Shafer (Sutterland) and James E. Shafer on August 26, 1924. He was raised by his grandmother in Indiana where he graduated from Kirklin High School at the age of 16. Though he wanted to serve overseas during World War II, a medical condition prevented it, so Jim enlisted in the Illinois Reserve Militia where he rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and remained active for many years. Jim also worked in the U.S. Army Signal Corps where he acquired expertise in electronics, radio engineering and communications. Following the war, he pursued this interest becoming an expert in consumer electronics, so much so that he owned his own television repair business in the early days of this medium and he maintained that business for over 14 years. Jim continued to pursue a career in electronics engineering until 1974 when he moved to the Gila Valley. In 1948 Jim married the love of his life, Irene Jeanne Yurcega, and they were devoted to each other for over 61 years. Together they raised two daughters, Kathleen and Patricia. For many years Jim and Irene planned to pursue their dream of moving to Arizona. The dream became reality in 1974 when they became the owners of Mountain View Nursing Center in Safford. Working as Administrator, side by side with his wife who worked as Director of Nursing, Jim ran the business of caring for the elderly and chronically ill of the valley through 1986. Jim served on the Board of Directors of the Mount Graham Community Hospital for many years and through his service was instrumental in bringing many of the changes and modern medical technology to the hospital that Gila Valley residents benefit from today. He was also President of the Arizona Nursing Home Association in 1985/86. A self-taught reader, Jim maintained an avid interest in history, particularly the Civil War, World War II and the American West. But for those who knew him, the most important accomplishments where those related to his faith and devotion to God. Jim was an active supporter of the St. Rose of Lima church throughout his life in the valley and was a guide and mentor to many through his involvement with the Cursillo movement. This loving, gentle and spiritual man inspired many. Jim is survived by his wife, Irene, his daughter, Kathleen Shafer and her husband Dr. Leland Veith, his daughter, Patricia Shafer, his sister Patricia Nora, his niece Gabrielle Gonzales and her daughter Mara, his nephew Michael Scandy, and numerous other nieces and nephews. Donations in Jims memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.