More detail on this person: James Brian Schaffer went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2022. He died of natural causes and resided in Apopka, Florida. Jim was born in Brooklyn NY on May 8, 1944. While growing up in New York, Jim attended Rye High School where he ran track and wrestled. In his senior year, he was undefeated and named to the all-county wrestling team. After high school he attended Alfred University in Upstate New York where he earned his BA degree in Economics and English Literature in 1966. He received his draft notice late in 1966 and reported for active duty in February 1967. While in the military, he was promoted rapidly through the ranks. He completed helicopter training in April 1969 and reported May of 1969 to duty with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Air Cav Troop) known as the "Blackhorse." He was shot down several times while serving in Vietnam earning him the nickname "magnet ass." On January 17, 1970, he was shot down and injured by enemy fire. Crawling out of his burning helicopter and not sure what was next, he grabbed his service pistol and was ready to fight to the death. Fortunately, the God-sent ARPS (Aero Rifle Platoon) scrambled and came to Jim's rescue. He returned to duty in May 1970 in a walking cast. He was honorably discharged in September 1973 and received a purple heart for his battle wounds. In his spare time Jim loved to collect antiques including war memorabilia, records, jukeboxes, and anything collectable. He also loved going to Sanibel Island with his family. He also loved spending time at the VFW with his brothers and sisters of the military. Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and knew he would be in heaven waiting on the rest of his family to come home. Jim was a wonderful husband to his surviving wife Margaret Schaffer and a great father to his two daughters, Lisa Smith and Elizabeth Zdrodowski. He was also a wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren Kelly Ivey and Drew Smith. He also left behind two great brothers John and Tom Schaffer. Jim was a patriot who served his country proudly. He has had a big impact in many people's lives and will be greatly missed by many. Jim was a member of the Blackhorse Association, and if someone would like to give to an organization on his behalf, then this would be one of them: www.blackhorse.org/donate. Captain James Brian Schaffer was laid to rest at James Brian Schaffer went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2022. He died of natural causes and resided in Apopka, Florida. Jim was born in Brooklyn NY on May 8, 1944. While growing up in New York, Jim attended Rye High School where he ran track and wrestled. In his senior year, he was undefeated and named to the all-county wrestling team. After high school he attended Alfred University in Upstate New York where he earned his BA degree in Economics and English Literature in 1966. He received his draft notice late in 1966 and reported for active duty in February 1967. While in the military, he was promoted rapidly through the ranks. He completed helicopter training in April 1969 and reported May of 1969 to duty with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Air Cav Troop) known as the "Blackhorse." He was shot down several times while serving in Vietnam earning him the nickname "magnet ass." On January 17, 1970, he was shot down and injured by enemy fire. Crawling out of his burning helicopter and not sure what was next, he grabbed his service pistol and was ready to fight to the death. Fortunately, the God-sent ARPS (Aero Rifle Platoon) scrambled and came to Jim's rescue. He returned to duty in May 1970 in a walking cast. He was honorably discharged in September 1973 and received a purple heart for his battle wounds. In his spare time Jim loved to collect antiques including war memorabilia, records, jukeboxes, and anything collectable. He also loved going to Sanibel Island with his family. He also loved spending time at the VFW with his brothers and sisters of the military. Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and knew he would be in heaven waiting on the rest of his family to come home. Jim was a wonderful husband to his surviving wife Margaret Schaffer and a great father to his two daughters, Lisa Smith and Elizabeth Zdrodowski. He was also a wonderful grandfather to his two grandchildren Kelly Ivey and Drew Smith. He also left behind two great brothers John and Tom Schaffer. Jim was a patriot who served his country proudly. He has had a big impact in many people's lives and will be greatly missed by many. Jim was a member of the Blackhorse Association, and if someone would like to give to an organization on his behalf, then this would be one of them: www.blackhorse.org/donate. Captain James Brian Schaffer was laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Park at 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789, on May 7, 2022.at 2300 Temple Drive, Winter Park, FL 32789, on May 7, 2022. James Brian SCHAFFER MAY 8, 1944 - MARCH 21, 2022 The Dash--James was born May 8, 1944. Jim was an active and valuable member of VFW Post 10147 for many years. Jim was an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam starting in 1969. He was shot down on two occasions and earned a Purple Heart for his injury. At age 77, of Apopka, Florida passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022.
Burial information: Glen Haven Memorial Park, Winter Park FL
This information was last updated 04/27/2023
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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