Jack Shaffer
December 28, 1941 — June 24, 2009
Jack Shaffer, age 67, passed away on June 24, 2009 at his home in rural Jones County, Iowa. Jack is survived by his lovely wife, Shannon Ramsay and beloved children Mark, Caroline and Brie; grandchildren Sofia, Michael, John Claude, Nicolas and Roman; step-children Jessica, Ryan and Anne; siblings Bill, Suzy and Tom along with many nieces and nephews; and his adored dogs Gypsy and Abby.
Jack spent his life loving and helping people in need. He especially loved women and children and put several children in Tibet through school. He championed a number of social causes, including playing a major role defeating the death penalty in Iowa. Inspired by Shannon, Jack became a devout naturalist and advocate for the environment.
A true renaissance man, he was a gifted photographer and graphic designer, carpenter and manager. Jack took on a number of careers, and true to his namesake, he was a “jack” of all trades. He also mastered coffee, roasting his own beans and serving as personal barista for his wife and friends.
Born John Alan on December 28, 1941 to Fay and William Shaffer in Chicago, Illinois, Jack grew up in Dubuque, where he attended school and graduated from Loras College, majoring in English and Spanish. Jack’s quest for knowledge and wisdom carried him across the world where he spent significant time experiencing other cultures, religions and languages. He lived in Columbia, Japan and spent many years in Los Angeles. Jack eventually returned to Iowa, met Shannon, and together they built their dream home on a bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River—their Shangri la.
We will all remember Jack as an energetic, capable and loving husband, father and friend. Thanks to family and friends and Dr. Ghosh and staff for supporting him and the family through his illness.
Per Jack’s wishes, in lieu of flowers donations to Trees Forever would be most appreciated. A “celebration of life” will be held this fall.
Jack spent his life loving and helping people in need. He especially loved women and children and put several children in Tibet through school. He championed a number of social causes, including playing a major role defeating the death penalty in Iowa. Inspired by Shannon, Jack became a devout naturalist and advocate for the environment.
A true renaissance man, he was a gifted photographer and graphic designer, carpenter and manager. Jack took on a number of careers, and true to his namesake, he was a “jack” of all trades. He also mastered coffee, roasting his own beans and serving as personal barista for his wife and friends.
Born John Alan on December 28, 1941 to Fay and William Shaffer in Chicago, Illinois, Jack grew up in Dubuque, where he attended school and graduated from Loras College, majoring in English and Spanish. Jack’s quest for knowledge and wisdom carried him across the world where he spent significant time experiencing other cultures, religions and languages. He lived in Columbia, Japan and spent many years in Los Angeles. Jack eventually returned to Iowa, met Shannon, and together they built their dream home on a bluff overlooking the Wapsipinicon River—their Shangri la.
We will all remember Jack as an energetic, capable and loving husband, father and friend. Thanks to family and friends and Dr. Ghosh and staff for supporting him and the family through his illness.
Per Jack’s wishes, in lieu of flowers donations to Trees Forever would be most appreciated. A “celebration of life” will be held this fall.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Shaffer, please visit our flower store.