NAPPANEE - James E. Schafer, 87, of 303 N. Washington St., Wakarusa, and formerly of Nappanee, died at 10:45 p.m. July 16, 2007, in Miller's Merry Manor, Wakarusa.
He was born Dec. 20, 1919, in Indianapolis, to Harold John and Ada Currens Schafer. On Feb. 19, 1966, in South Bend, he married Doris Thompson, who died Sept. 10, 2006.
Moving to Nappanee from South Bend in 1977, he was a member of Nappanee United Methodist Church and Yellowstone National Travelers. He retired as owner of McDonald's Restaurant, Nappanee, and co-owned and co-operated the first MiniMac McDonalds, Nappanee, which later became a full service McDonalds. He was a World War II Army veteran.
Surviving are six sons: Michael Lukens, Lake Worth, Fla.; Bruce Schafer, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Brian Schafer, Nashville, Tenn.; James Thompson, Pleasanton, Texas; and Ronald Thompson, Gainesville, Fla., and Dennis Thompson, Ocala, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Jane Edmonds, Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Nappanee United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Harrold officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger.
Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.
Memorials to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
