Jesse James Shafer, 42, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at his home of natural causes. His funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at the Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present is from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Kahler Funeral Home. Interment is in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Valley Springs.
Jesse James Shafer was born on September 14, 1976 in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of James and Jody (DenHerder) Shafer. He grew up in Valley Springs until moving to Dell Rapids in 1991. He attended school at Dell Rapids and graduated from DRHS in 1995. After high school, Jesse moved to Omaha, NE to attend art school. He lived in Omaha for four years before moving to Brandon, SD. He moved to Sioux Falls and started working at the Sioux Falls airport for the TSA.
It is true what they say, “Time is short”. A person really does not think about it until a loss of someone close happens and it hits the heart. We have all heard that people are either wolves or sheep. I put to you that there are in fact three types of people. Jesse loved super heroes and what they represented. The comics, shows, books and movies stood for more than just entertainment for Jesse. It is the creed, the message and a way of life to help others. To be there in the time of need. See, Jesse was not the wolf or the sheep, he was the guard dog. He was the one in the background quietly watching and making sure everyone was safe. Yes he had his bark to keep the wolves in check. Jesse also had the compassion and patience to make sure no sheep were forgotten. It is no wonder that he had the job that he had. Always at the ready, calm, vigilant for anyone that might need a hand. You knew you could count on him to be there for you when ever needed. Jesse could always sense when you were having a bad day, stressed out or just needed someone to talk to. He would take it upon himself to seek out what the problem was, would listen wholeheartedly, and offer advice. Somehow he always would get you to laugh. You would always walk away feeling better, with a smile on your face. Jesse was a friend to all but a fierce son, brother, uncle for his co-workers and family. He will forever live on in our thoughts, stories and hearts. He will be dearly missed, but truly he will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wendell and Eva Shafer and Jack and Rosalie DenHerder; his step-dad, Mike Morrow and his cousin, Trevor DenHerder.
Jesse is survived by his father, Jim (Sandra) Shafer of Valley Springs; his mother, Jody Morrow of Dell Rapids; his brothers, Joel (Gena) Shafer and John (Blanca) Shafer both of Sioux Falls; his step-brothers, Jay (Sharon) Christensen of Sheboygan, WI and Jon Christensen of Monroe, MI; his nephews, Evan and Ethan; his nieces Jade and Jessa, his girlfriend, Barbara Osenga of Sioux Falls and his many friends and extended family.