Jimmy Schafer

Jimmy Schafer, 95, of Canadian, passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 in Canadian. 

Graveside services will be 10:30 AM, Friday, December 20, 2024 in Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Matt Cook and Daryle Perry officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Canadian. 

Jimmy was born to Willie and Lola Guffey Schafer on July 26, 1929, in Lipscomb County. He grew up in Lipscomb County and attended school in Darrouzett, where everyone was thrilled, he graduated. In his twenties he proposed to a beautiful woman, and in 1950, he married her cousin. Jimmy and Mary Lynne (Webb) eventually settled in Canadian, where they raised their four children and shared 73 years together.

Jimmy started his career as a cowboy on the Brainard Ranch and went on to work at several local businesses before starting Schafer Services with his brother, Lynard. In 1982 he started his own business, Schafer Grass Seeding, which remains in business today. In his own words, it was the “Cadillac of grass seeding businesses.” When not working he could often be found around town blading snow, mowing yards, and passing out fresh produce from his garden. Though the watermelon and squash were big hits, he had a harder time getting rid of the turnips and many people took to locking their cars to avoid taking them!

As a husband, Mary Lynne was the first to admit that Jimmy could be a handful but was an excellent provider. As a father, he was always interested in his children’s activities, although none more than Sam’s football career. Kathy was treated to extensive driving lessons, whether she wanted them or not, while Laney brought out the caring and patient side of Jimmy. And then there was Janae, who came last, never left, and stayed around to drive him crazy. He was a great Papa who loved sharing his grandkids’ business around town. He enjoyed cheering them on at sporting events, although Tanner was the only one who gave him much to be excited about. His favorite camping trip was with Nikki and Josh, and he never got tired of laughing about their terror at hearing a bullfrog in the night. He always made time to take Heather shooting, though he joked she couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Megan and Papa logged many hours at the fishing pond, and he always got a kick out of the fact she was more interested in the worms than the fish. He carried on the fishing tradition with all of his grandkids, although by the time Tanner came around he had transitioned from beer to Ensure in his cooler.

In his later years, he became a real man about town with several favorite haunts. At any hour of the day, he could be found at The Canadian Restaurant, Valentino’s, or Alexanders, where he took great pleasure in sharing stories, imparting wisdom, and gossiping. His elderly exploits were made notable by his incredible memory, sharp wit, and love of BS-ing everyone in his path. He offset his mischief by being an incredible caregiver to Mary Lynne in her later years, although the nursing home probably hated to see him coming. He was so well loved and will be deeply missed by many. As a good friend said, “Canadian got a little less great today.”

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Lynard and Jerry; his wife, Mary Lynne, and a son, Laney. 

He is survived by daughter, Kathy Parker and husband Skip of Richardson; son, Sam Schafer of Lipscomb; daughter, Janae Schafer of Canadian; and five grandchildren, Nikki Hunter and husband Jason and great- grandchildren Charlie, Jack, Edie, and Georgia of Richardson, Josh Parker of Austin; Heather Logsdon and husband Josh and great-grandchildren Ty and Lily of Plano, Tanner Schafer of Starkville, Mississippi, Megan Schafer of Oklahoma City; brother, Billy Schafer of Canadian; sister-in-law, Glenna Schafer of Canadian; special cousin, Carol Cole and husband

Charles of Amarillo; and family by choice Luke and Jennifer Mills (children Tripp, Sophia, and Blaze) of Canadian; his Canadian Restaurant family; his Alexander’s family; and his Valentino’s family. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews, along with a host of other relatives and friends who he thought the world of.

In lieu of flowers or food, we would be honored by any donation to your favorite charity.