James Patrick Shaffer

James (Jim) Patrick Shaffer, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away at the age of 79 on May 18th, 2024, at his home on Whidbey Island, WA. Jim was born in Everett on May 5th, 1945, at Providence Hospital, and spent his life living in the Everett area. He was the only child of Robert F. and Eleanor Shaffer.

Jim attended Immaculate Conception School, graduated from Everett High School, and took construction courses at the University of Washington. During the Vietnam War he joined the Air Force Reserves, stationed at Paine Field, serving as an airplane loadmaster. Jim married the love of his life, Gretchen Tapert, on September 23rd, 1967, and they were married for 56 special years.

Jim went on to work in the construction industry, initially on the construction of the Alaska pipeline. He later joined his parents in their family business, Shaffer Construction Inc., working on many Everett institutions such as the Everett Public Library, Providence Hospital, and the Snohomish County Courthouse. Jim and Gretchen eventually bought the business from his parents and redirected its’ focus to the crane rental market. Shaffer Crane and Equipment, Inc. was a successful family business for the next 55 years.

Jim was very civic-minded and proud of his hometown. At the age of 30, Jim ran for the Port of Everett Commission and won in the general election. He eventually ended up serving 24 years, having a hand in the leadership of numerous projects to Everett’s benefit - the marina expansion and the development of the Marina Village, the Riverside Business Park, and the establishment of the US Naval Homeport. In later years, Jim was a founder and director of Coastal Community Bank. He was actively involved in Everett community clubs including the Elks, Navy League, Sertoma, and American Legion. He cherished the friends he made within these organizations over the years and enjoyed giving back to his community.

In retirement, Jim and Gretchen travelled the world, visiting Spain, Ireland, Australia, Indonesia, and cruising the Baltic Sea and the Rhine and Danube Rivers. Together they spent winters in Thousand Palms, CA enjoying the sunshine. Jim loved to spend time with his numerous coffee klatches engaging in thoughtful conversation, barbecuing family feasts, and spoiling his poodles. Spending time with his family, sitting on the deck at his home on Whidbey Island, and watching the ships and the beauty of the sunset were among his favorite pastimes.

Jim is survived by his wife Gretchen; his children Greg (Susan Garza), John (Natasha), and Jerry (Katie); his grandchildren Andrew, Christopher, Jonathan, Elissa, William, and Jack.

There will be a private family funeral. A public Celebration of Life is planned for June 8th from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at the Hotel Indigo on the Everett waterfront. Memorial donations may be given to Everett Museum of History at everettmuseum.org.

The family of Jim Shaffer wishes to thank the first responders on South Whidbey Island for their outstanding care and support.