James H. Schaefer, 72, of Eau Claire, died peacefully in his sleep July 7, 2012. Jim was born June 2, 1940 in Merrill, WI, the son of Wilmer and Mary (Strohm) Schaefer. Jim married Carol Baumann on September 4, 1964. Together they welcomed two sons, David and Jonathan, and later three grandsons. Throughout his life and as reflected in everything he did, Jim had an overwhelming desire to help people and make the world a better place. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 1963 with a B.A. in philosophy. Later he received his Masters of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago, IL. In 1967, Jim was ordained as a Lutheran pastor. He was called to serve several parishes in Louisville, KY and then in Milwaukee, WI. While in Louisville, Jim was instrumental in establishing a street ministry to serve homeless and disenfranchised teens and young adults suffering from substance abuse. Jim later attended Marquette University, Milwaukee, where he received his J.D. in 1970 and began working as a public defender in the juvenile court system in Milwaukee. After a brief period in private practice, Jim joined the Milwaukee District Attorney's Office as an Assistant District Attorney. During his ten years as an ADA, he was selected to specialize in domestic violence cases - the first attorney appointed to this role in the District Attorney's Office. After relocating to Eau Claire, WI in 1982, Jim taught criminal justice at Fox Valley Technical College and at Chippewa Valley Technical College. Law enforcement officers across the state of Wisconsin sat in Jim's classrooms during his nineteen years of teaching. Even during retirement, Jim continued to teach part-time at Lakeland College and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. In 1998, Jim was approached by the Eau Claire Police Department to create the chaplaincy program for the Department. He was commissioned by the Lutheran Church to fulfill this role and proudly served as Head Chaplain for 9 years. He was a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Special Olympics - Indianhead Chapter, and Bob's House for Dogs. He also supported the Community Table of Eau Claire. Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carol Schaefer (Baumann); sons, David (Amy) of Eau Claire, WI and Jonathan (Juliet McDaniel) of Rockford, IL; grandsons, Madison, Jackson and Ethan of Eau Claire, WI; sister, Carol (Robert) Broman of West Bend, WI; brother, Thomas (Pamela) Schaefer of Glendale, WI; best friend, Dennis Plinska of Greenfield, WI; special friend, Robert Burger of Boston, MA, who is like a son; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews; and countless life-long friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Wilmer, and his mother, Mary. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Monday, July 16, 2012, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar Street, in Eau Claire, with Pastor Donald Wisner officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Rest Haven Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 3 to 7pm on Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home West Chapel, 1405 North Clairemont Avenue, in Eau Claire, and again one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Special Olympics - Indianhead Chapter (http://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/area_3.asp), Bob's House for Dogs (bobshousefordogs.org) or the Community Table of Eau Claire (http://thecommunitytable.org/).

Service Information

Cemetery

Rest Haven Cemetery 5750 Old Town Hall Road Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Sunday, July 15 2012 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Memorial Service

Monday, July 16 2012 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 1120 Cedar Street Eau Claire WI 54703