“Once in a while, along the way, love’s been good to me” Kingston Trio
Love indeed has been good to James Leander Schafer, 83, of Bardstown, who died Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Nazareth Home Clifton surrounded by family.
He was born in DeWitt, Iowa Dec. 30, 1942, where he was raised by parents, Leander and Novella alongside his siblings, Joe and Ann. He attended St. Ambrose College where he got a degree in Art. He met Rita Trimble in DeWitt who he dated and eventually married Dec. 11, 1966.
He joined the U.S. Army and proudly served as a pilot in the Vietnam War for two years. Military service Jim and Rita far and wide, finally settling in Bardstown where they raised their family.
our children Jane, Michael, Martin, and Julie.
He will be remembered as a man who loved his family and his faith. He and Rita loved raising their children on their land. He was a devout member of St. Thomas Parish and was an avid church goer. He filled his days after retirement with his favorite music from the Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Diamond, and Kingston Trio. He enjoyed long walks outside in nature and most importantly spending time with Rita and Julie. He loved reading books about history, aviation, and motorcycles. Lastly, He was an avid fan of Kentucky college sports and enthusiastically watched football and basketball games anytime he could.
He is survived by his wife, Rita; two daughters, Jane (Tim) and Julie; two sons, Mike (Kathy) and Martin; nine grandchildren, Ross, Megan, Nick, Sybil, Madeline, Isabelle, Grace (Christian), Eli (Madison), and Danielle; two great-grandchildren, Truitt and Isla; and a slew of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Novella and Dr. Leander Schafer; one brother, Joe Schafer; one sister, Dr. Ann Schafer; his mother and father-in-law, Leo and Rosie Trimble; his brother and sister-in-law, Rosie and Louie Biel; two brothers-in-law, Bill Edwards and Dennis Schrader; one niece, Stephanie Shumaker; and three great-nephews, Harrison Smith, Axel Steiner and Braxton Steiner.
The Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery with the Rev. Brandon DeToma officiating.
Visitation is 2-7 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, and 8:30-9:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Barlow Funeral Home with a 6 p.m. Monday prayer service.
Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
-30-