James “Chip” Blake Shafer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Chip Shafer, who peacefully departed in his sleep on the morning of Friday, October 13, 2023.

Chip's vibrant spirit was evident from the moment of his birth. As a young boy, he possessed an inexhaustible well of energy that knew no bounds. Growing up, he traversed the nation with his family, calling six different states home and attending seven different schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This upbringing instilled in him a remarkable ability to adapt to new environments and effortlessly forge connections with anyone he encountered.

Chip reveled in the exhilaration and unrestrained freedom of an 80s childhood. His fondest memories included the thrill of Atari, Stomper trucks, WWF wrestling, rollerblading, and Monster truck rallies. He explored various sports, from wrestling and hockey to competitive swimming, fearlessly embracing each new endeavor with unwavering dedication.

For those who knew Chip, the Rainbow Bridge poem, often recited when a beloved pet crosses over, holds special resonance. It speaks of the moment when our cherished animal companions find their way to a peaceful realm, where they eagerly await their humans on the other side. We can only hope that Chip was welcomed by a joyous multitude of the pets he adored over the years, from his loyal Labradors, Bandit, Gator, Shelby and Buddy, to his unconventional companion, Mary Jane the rat, as well as numerous fish and countless others. His boundless love for animals was a testament to his compassionate and caring nature.  His loyal cocker spaniel, Lionel, will one day reunite with him at the Rainbow Bridge.

Attempting to encapsulate Chip's essence in a single word is an impossible task. On the most fundamental level, he was a devoted son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin, but above all, he was a cherished friend. Chip derived immense happiness from his deep and meaningful relationships with his friends. To be a friend of Chip was to have a steadfast ally, a compassionate listener, and a constant source of laughter when life's challenges arose.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal shelter.