James Leander Schafer

"Once in a while, along the way, love's been good to me" Kingston Trio

Love indeed has been good to James Leander Schafer, of Bardstown, who passed away on June 14, 2026 at Nazareth Home Clifton, in Louisville, Kentucky at 83 surrounded by family.

Jim was born in DeWitt, Iowa on December 30th., 1942, where he was raised by parents, Leander and Novella alongside his siblings, Joe and Ann.  He attended St. Ambrose College where he got a degree in Art.  He met Rita Trimble in DeWitt who he dated and eventually married on December 11, 1966.  Jim joined the U.S. Army and proudly served as a pilot in the Vietnam War for two years.  The service took Jim and Rita far and wide, finally settling in Bardstown, Kentucky where they raised their four children Jane, Michael, Martin, and Julie.

Jim will be remembered as a man who loved his family and his faith.  He and Rita loved raising their children on their land.  Jim was a devout member of St. Thomas Parish and was an avid church goer.  Jim filled his days after retirement with his favorite music from the Beach Boys, Jefferson Airplane, Neil Diamond, and Kingston Trio.  He enjoyed long walks outside in nature and most importantly spending time with Rita and Julie.  He loved reading books about history, aviation, and motorcycles.  Lastly, He was an avid fan of Kentucky college sports and enthusiastically watched football and basketball games anytime he could.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; his four children, Jane (Tim), Mike (Kathy), Martin, and Julie; his nine grandchildren, Ross, Megan, Nick, Sybil, Madeline, Isabelle, Grace (Christian), Eli (Madison), and Danielle, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Truitt and Isla and a slew of nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Novella and Dr. Leander Schafer, brother, Joe Schafer, sister, Dr. Ann Schafer and husband, Benny, mother and father-in-law, Leo and Rosie Trimble, brother and Sister-in-law, Rosie and Louie Biel, brothers-in-law, Bill Edwards and Dennis Schrader, niece, Stephanie Shumaker and great nephews, Harrison Smith and Axel and Braxton Steiner.

Funeral Mass for James Leander Schafer will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with burial at St. Thomas Cemetery.  Rev. Brandon DeToma will officiate. Visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2026 from 2 to 7 P.M. and Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 8:30 to 9:15 A.M. at Barlow Funeral Home.  Prayer survices will be held at 6 P.M. Monday, June 22, 2026 at Barlow Funeral Home.

Barlow Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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