James Schafer, 71 of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, died peacefully on Friday, September 1, 2017, after a brief battle with acute leukemia.

Born on October 31, 1945 in Catonsville, Maryland, he was the son of the late Howard Douglas and Emily Anna Schafer.

Jim was a resident of the Lake Heritage Community in Gettysburg, PA. He was a life-long teacher and taught American History at Catoctin High School (1970-2000) and at Fort Ritchie (1980-1992). He served as a teacher advisor to student teachers at Mt. Saint Mary’s University (2000-2012) and Gettysburg College (2005-2010), and wrapped up his career at the Penn State Survey of Research Center (2007-2012). Jim enjoyed his career, writing new Social Studies curriculums at the Fed., State and County level, travelling the world, fishing, live theater, the orchestra, and sharing his garden with neighbors. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are son Stephen Schafer and wife Jennifer of Thurmont, MD; and daughter Alison Globus of Hampstead, MD; step-sons Daniel Glembot and wife Donna of VA, and Michael Rankin and wife Connie of NC; step-daughter Deborah Haraszkiewicz and husband Michael of VA; 4 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren and 2 step-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, John Schafer and wife Patricia (Rankin) Schafer.

At the age of 69, Jim found true love in his friend Judy Temme. Together, they enriched each other’s lives, travelling, enjoying family, making new friends, and discovering new interests including ballroom dancing.

A celebration of his life will be held as a casual social event at 4PM on Saturday October 14th at the Lake Heritage Community Center. A private burial will be held in Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore, MD.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Catoctin High School at 14745 Sabillasville Rd, Thurmont, MD  21788, to be held for a one-time scholarship for a deserving student in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME in Emmitsburg, MD. 

 Service Information