James E. “Big Jim” Shaffer, 69, a resident of Dailey, passed from this life Tuesday evening, December 18, 2012 at Davis Memorial Hospital in Elkins. Big Jim was born Tuesday, October 5, 1943 in East Dailey. Jim was raised by his maternal grandparents, Sterl and Vida Gear, who made him the man he became. He was a son of the late Delbert William Shaffer, Sr. and Edna Marie Gear Shaffer. Starting as 6th grade sweethearts, Jim married the love of his life, Gail Simmons, on March 3, 1967 in Oakland, MD. They had celebrated forty-five years of marriage. Jim is survived by his only daughter, Kelley Marie Shaffer of Dailey, four siblings, Delbert W. Shaffer, Jr. and companion, Catherine Griffin, of Dailey, Charles Shaffer and wife, Jackie of New Freedom, PA, Robert Shaffer and wife, Patty, of Millersville, MD, and Nancy DuBritton of Pasadena, MD, several nieces and nephews, and very special friends, Bud and Arlene Hoover, Allen and Lois Vanscoy, and Robert Phillips. Jim was preceded in death by his mother-in-law who was like a second mother to him, Dixie Simmons. Jim attended the schools of Randolph County, had worked at Coastal Lumber Company and for various coal mines. He retired from the WV Department of Highways as a heavy equipment operator. Jim’s main passion in life however, was the Tygart Valley Fire Company, to which he devoted over forty-eight years and served as Fire Chief for thirty-four years. Jim helped build the Dailey Firehouse and rebuild the Valley Bend Firehouse. He also was very proud of and enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing Trike with his wife, Gail. Visitation will be held at the Randolph Funeral Home on Friday from 5PM until 8PM. Funeral Services will be held from the funeral home chapel on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 11AM. The Reverend Randy Long will officiate and interment will follow at the Brick Church Cemetery. The Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements for James E. “Big Jim” Shaffer.
