Jack Francis Schaffler's Obituary
Jack Francis Schaffler
With heavy hearts we share the passing of our beloved brother Jackie. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 24, 1962, to Charles Thomas Schaffler and Barbara Cantrell Schaffler. He was the fifth of six children in a close-knit Catholic family that was the center of his life.
Jack was lovingly guided and taught by the Benedictine sisters who founded Madonna Day School (now Madonna Learning Center), and he was a student of the inaugural class. He continued his education at St. Coletta of Wisconsin, (Jefferson, WI), and later attended The Baddour Center, (Senatobia, MS).
He loved all sports, especially golf, and he took every opportunity to play with his grandfather, his father and his brother Chuck, his cousins and friends. Jack started to play golf with Special Olympics in 2000 and won the state championship five times. He was also selected to represent the State of Tennessee in the National Special Olympics was a four-time gold medalist.
Jack cherished the time he spent with family, and he was a friend to all. He especially loved gathering with loved ones for birthdays, holidays or special celebrations. Good food and good times, together with those he loved, was a central theme in his life. He had a “soft spot” for animals and took great pride in caring for his much-beloved menagerie of companions over the years.
Jack loved his faith and his church community at St. Louis Catholic Church where his family have been members since 1969. He was a proud member of the St. Angela Ministry for adults with special needs.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Charlie and Barbara, grandparents John and Ida Mae Schaffler and Guy and Thelma Cantrell, and his sister, Kelly. He is survived by his loving sisters and brothers-in-law: Bitsy Quinn (Danny), Shawn Demos (Chris) Mimi Foster and his brother, Chuck - trusted companion, devoted caregiver and best friend in this life. He also leaves his much-beloved nieces and nephews: Emily Bernal (Nelson), Patrick Quinn (Tayler), Brian Quinn (Millie), Ben Powell (Mai), Elisha Spencer (Trevor), Gracey Foster, and Joshua Foster. He will especially be missed by his great-nieces and nephews: Nico and Sasha Morton, Stephen and Elena Gore, Charlie Quinn, Jackson, Caroline and Daniel Quinn and Saphia Powell.
Jack will always be remembered for his gentleness and his willingness to help others. His warm smile and genuine kindness will forever be missed by those who knew him, family and friends alike.
Visitation and rosary will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, October 23, from 5-7pm, and a funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Louis Catholic Church on Friday, October 24, at 10:00am, with burial at Memorial Park.
Donations in Jack’s memory can be made to Madonna Learning Center or St. Louis Catholic Church on behalf of the St. Angela Ministry.
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