Jackie Lee Schaffer, 81, of Centralia passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on September 24, 1943, the son of John and Beulah (Brammeier) Schaffer in Alton. He married the love of his life, Carolyn Woods on December 24, 1987, in Salem and she survives him in Centralia.
Along with his beloved wife of 41 years, Carolyn Schaffer, survivors that will treasure memories of fun times spent with Jackie include his sons, Scott Schaffer and wife Danielle of St. Louis, MO, and Danny Schaffer and wife Laura of Coulterville, IL; several children Jackie helped raise, who he was a father figure to; grandchild, Samantha and several additional grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, John and Beulah Schaffer; his sister, Patsy Cook; and his brother, Joe Schaffer.
Jackie worked as a truck driver for Swan Corporation in Centralia, where his willingness to make sure every job was done right was appreciated by his co-workers and employer. Along with his wife, Carolyn, Jackie ran two businesses in Centralia, the Budget Shop and JC Car Pilot Service. He was active in his community and a member of the Centralia Moose Lodge 1219. Jackie loved to spend time outdoors, camping out and enjoying the beauty of nature. He was known to be a pretty good singer, and he wasn’t shy when it came time to sing karaoke. He had a great time sharing his favorite songs to the cheers of the crowd. Jackie was a protective family man and a loyal friend, who will be deeply missed by all those who loved him most.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Burial will follow at Pratt Cemetery in rural Patoka. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Jackie’s honor to his Family. Online condolences and memories of Jackie may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
