James R. Schafter

James R. Schafter, 87, a lifelong resident of Superior, died Tuesday morning, Nov. 20, 2012 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital, Duluth.

Jim was born on March 8, 1925, the youngest child of Frank and Leona Schafter.

On his 17th birthday with the outbreak of World War II, Jim joined the United States Navy, seeing action in both the Atlantic and Pacific including the bombardment of Normandy Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

After the war, Jim returned to Superior and began his railroad career first working as a carman for the Great Northern Railroad and retiring 40 years later as a carman for the Soo Line Railroad.

Also, after returning from the war, Jim met the love of his life, Evelyn Nelson living four houses away on 18th Street. They married in 1947, and celebrated 50 years of marriage until her death from cancer in 1998.

He was also preceded in death by his older siblings, Rilla Quinlan, Newberry, Mich., Marian Nelson, De Pere, Wis. and Lawrence and Albert Schafter, Superior.

He is survived by his sons, James (Patricia), Superior, Mike (Carolyn), Port Washington, Wis., Jeff (Linda), Albuquerque, N.M., Gary (Deb), San Antonio, Texas and Steve, Eau Claire, Wis.; five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank Lorry, Barb, Helen and the women of the Senior Lunch crew at Holy Assumption Church for their love and concern.

Because no one knew more about animals in general and birds in particular than Dad, the family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials may be made in Jim's name to Animal Allies of Superior or to Holy Assumption Church.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at Holy Assumption Catholic Church, 56th and Tower, and continue until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial with Rev. Ronald Olson as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.

Leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook at www.downs-lesage.com.

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