James Ferral Shaffer Sr

James Ferral “Shaf” Shaffer, Sr, 81, of Palestine, IL, died at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was born September 2, 1934 in Robinson, IL, the son of Lavern Shaffer & Zola King Shaffer, both of whom preceded him in death. James married Jean Conrad on December 30, 1955, and even though they divorced, after 25 years, they remained friends until his passing. He is also survived by two daughters & sons-in-law, Robin & Brian Thompson (Simpsonville, SC) and Mel & Jim McKinney (Robinson, IL); his son & daughter-in-law, Jim & Linda Shaffer (Robinson, IL); seven grandchildren, Stephanie Love (Robinson, IL), Danielle Chastain (Columbia, SC), Kara Farrar (Springfield, MO), Jimmy Shaffer (Galesburg, IL), Chris Shaffer (Robinson, IL), Nick Shaffer (Lawrenceville, IL), and Jesse McKinney (Robinson, IL); fourteen great-grandchildren; as well as Sammy, his beloved dog. James proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. “Shaf” went on to work for Marathon Oil, from which he retired as a Shift Foreman after 25 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Elks Lodge #1188, the American Legion Post #69, the Robinson Moose Lodge #1369, the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, as well as the Ainad Shrine. He was an avid race car driver who also loved riding Harley Davidsons and boating in his free time. He will long be remembered for his love of travel and for his active and loving nature. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 12th at the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Charitable Foundation or to the Community Revitalization & Beautification Committee, with envelopes available at both the cemetery and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, who is in charge of arrangements. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit .