James L. Schaefer

August 25, 1921 - October 23, 2017

James L. “Jim” Schaefer, age 96, died peacefully on Monday, October 23, 2017. The funeral mass in his honor will begin at 1:00 P.M., Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon, IL. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 12:00 P.M. till the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938, is assisting the family with arrangements. Born August 25, 1921 in Carlyle, IL, Mr. Schaefer was the son of Elizabeth and Louis P. Schaefer. He spent his early years in Carlyle where he met and married Garnelle Custis on June 26, 1943. They celebrated 72 years of marriage in 2015 before Garnelle's passing in September of 2015. Mr. Schaefer enlisted in the Army Air Corps in December of 1942, began active duty in September of 1943, and was a Bomber Pilot during WWII. After being discharged in 1945, he began working in the oil and gas industry, which he continued to do for almost 60 years, primarily as an independent oil producer. He moved his family to Mattoon, IL in the early 1950's and continued to make his home there. Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Mattoon, IL. He was an avid hunter and a private pilot who loved to travel. Mr. Schaefer retained a private pilot's license for more than 40 years and treasured his time flying with family and friends. He experienced many international hunting expeditions and family vacations. Jim was also an enthusiastic fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed playing golf and spending many winters with his wife at their home in Stuart, FL. Growing up on a farm, he cherished farming and was always willing to lend a helping hand in the fields. He acquired land in the Mattoon area and he loved to watch over the crops. Mr. Schaefer is survived by his four children: Nancy Schaefer McDaniel and husband Jim of Palm Coast, FL, Jamey Carney and husband Michael of Tulsa, OK, Greg Schaefer and wife Peggy of Mattoon, IL, and Joy Schaefer of Tampa, FL. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren: Clay McDaniel and wife Mandy Levenberg of Seattle, WA, Tiffany Buntin and husband Frazer of Nashville, TN, Patrick Carney and wife Jennifer of Tulsa, OK, Rica Carney and husband John Momberg, of Tulsa, OK, Alex Carney and wife Lauren of Tulsa, OK, Kyle Schaefer of Mattoon, Il, Libby Shibly and husband Gabe of Orlando, FL, Madeline Schaefer of Mattoon, IL, Lindsey Smith and husband Tommy of Tampa, FL, and Traci Staggs and husband Brian of Germantown, OH. In addition, there are 10 great grandchildren. Memorials in Jim's memory may be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, located at 1000 Health Center Drive, P.O. Box 372, Mattoon, IL 61938, or donor’s choice. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.