James Franklin Schaefer

James “Jim” Franklin Schaefer, 79, of Indian Land, SC, passed away January 18th, 2021 from complications of bone cancer.  He spent his final days under the care of doctors at Pineville Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Jim was born on December 24, 1941, in Evanston, Illinois, as the only child of Betty and Francis Schaefer.  He was a talented athlete, with a competitive spirit.  He enjoyed being out in the fresh air, playing games (especially cards), and spending time with his family.  Jim met his wife, Grace, at Missouri Valley College, and together they built their family of six.  The Schaefers were long-time residents of Lake County, IL where Jim managed inventory at Gillette.  He spent many hours coaching Libertyville Little League and youth football.  In 2013, Jim and Grace relocated to South Carolina to enjoy a warm retirement and adopted their puppy, Riley.  After Grace passed, Jim and Riley found compassion and companionship with Jeanie. James and Jeanie married this past September 2020, and lived together through his battle with cancer, watching old movies and playing fantasy football.  

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Betty, his wife Grace, his son Randy, and his great-granddaughter Zerena.  He will be survived by his wife Jeanie Schaefer; his three children: Beau (Michelle), Suzy (Rich) Foxwell, and Clay (Nicole).  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amanda (Bradley), Bonnie (Sainey), Carolyn, Doug (Sarah), Hannah (Logan), Audrey, Nate, and Eila; as well as great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Anastasia, Yasin, and Mia.  Jim will be remembered fondly by his beloved dog, Riley.

A limited memorial service for James will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Trinity Presbyterian Church of Van Wyck, 4421 Old Hickory Rd, Lancaster, SC 29720 and will be broadcast virtually on the Trinity Presbyterian Church SC YouTube Channel http://www.livestream.com/tbcil . A name plate in his memory will be placed beside his family at Lakeside Cemetery, Libertyville, IL.  Donations can be made in James Schaefer’s memory to the JAARS Missionary Fund,  and can be made securely online at https://www.jaars.org/give/. 

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