James Collins Shaffer, 88, of Cumberland, passed away on November 13, 2023.

Born April 23, 1935, in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Margaret C. Shaffer and Charles D. Shaffer. He was the loving husband for fifty-two years of the late Colleen Broderick Shaffer who recently passed away earlier this year. In addition, he was preceded in death by his brothers, John Shaffer, Charles D. Shaffer Jr, and Robert Shaffer; sister-in-law, Patricia Wiland; brother-in-law, Otis Baer; niece, Diane Shaffer Gallo; and nephew, John Michael Dively.

Jim is survived by his daughter Michele Marie Shaffer. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Diane Shaffer; sister-in-law, Manda Baer; sister-in-law, Margaret Broderick; brother-in-law, William Wiland; nieces and nephews, Charles (Chas) Shaffer and wife Jill, Margaret Shaffer Jones, John Shaffer, Robert Shaffer and wife Heather, Michael Gallo, Albert Charles Dively, Richard Dively, Suzanne Dively Smith and husband Thomas, Michael Wiland, Amy Hall and husband Mark.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of LaSalle High School. He was an electrician by trade and started his career with the B&O Railroad, following in the footsteps of his Father and brother Charlie. He worked for the railroad for over 40 years and retired from CSX as the manager of the ready track. He made many life-long friends who kept in touch with frequent phone calls and monthly breakfasts.

Aside from family and faith, his other great love was Notre Dame Football. He religiously watched the team play on Saturdays and used his iPad to research all recruiting "top prospects" for the upcoming year. Over the years he visited Notre Dame several times to watch the games and meet players and coaches, most recently with his daughter in 2018.

Jim had a great appreciation for music. He learned to play the piano by ear, often serenading his wife with a new tune. Her one critique was always "That's nice, but can you play it a little less loud?"

Jim was fortunate to have many lifelong friends. He and his wife enjoyed an active social life of NYE parties, card club, dinner parties and community concerts. He routinely met up with high school alumni, CSX retirees, Haystack members, and his Friday morning guy's breakfast club.

Other interests included: amateur radio, hamfests, antique cars, and old western movies. He was fascinated by technology; always coming up with something new to ask his Alexa or Siri devices. He loved to travel and had a sense of adventure and spontaneity.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains, St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was also a member of many clubs and associations through the years including most recently the Haystack Mountain Sportsmen's club.

Jim was a charismatic man. He could walk into a room full of strangers and leave a short time later with a room full of friends. He didn't always remember a name, but by default called everyone "Cuz". He will be deeply missed by those that loved him.

Family and friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 2 to 5 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Mountains, St Patrick Church, 201 North Centre Street, Cumberland.

Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park.

Flowers may be sent to Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A. or donate to an organization of your choice in his honor.