James A. Schaefer

James A. Schaefer, 91, of Pekin, IL passed away at 7:20 AM Sunday, April 21, 2013. Jim was born on December 23, 1921 in Pekin to Albert A. Lorena M. (Oberle) Schaefer. He married O. Charlotte Loveland on September 7, 1946 in Pekin. She passed away on March 7, 2008. Also preceding in death are his parents; one son, Greg Schaefer; one grandson, Todd Schaefer; two brothers, Lou and Ray Schaefer and one sister, Helen Gray. Surviving is: one son, Tim (Elaine) Schaefer of Fargo, ND; three daughters, Becky (Randy) Dixon of Pekin, Teresa (Phil) Workman of Charlotte, NC and Mary (Dave) Pope of Pekin; daughter in law, Rena Schaefer of Morton; nine grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. Jim was a WWII veteran of the United States Army serving in the Pacific Theater from 1942 - 1945 and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He loved to talk about his service days and was proud to have served his country. Jim was scheduled to attend the Honor Flight for WWII Veterans on Tuesday, April 23. Jim's name will be announced with other deceased veterans at the WWII Veterans Memorial site during the flag ceremony at Washington DC. Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin. He was also a member of William Schaefer American Legion Post 44; Disabled American Veterans, Pekin Moose Lodge #916 and Pekin Elks Lodge 1271. He retired from Keystone in February 1982 after 30 years of service and then worked as a court bailiff at the Tazewell County Court House. Jim loved being with his family and grandchildren. His companion was his pet cat, Mindy. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, cooking, music and golf. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Michael Andrejek officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 24 at Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin, IL. Cremation will be accorded after the services with burial of his ashes at St. Joseph Cemetery in Pekin. Memorial contributions may be made to St Joseph School. Cemetery St. Joseph Cemetery Pekin,IL 61554 Service Thursday, April 25, 2013 11:00 AM St. Joseph's Catholic Church 303 S. 7th Street Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Wednesday, April 24, 2013 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM delete Pekin,IL 61554