James L. Shafer

April 19, 1928 – June 20, 2007

James L. Shafer passed away at the age of 79 surrounded by his family. The son of Ben and Evelyn Shafer, he was born and raised in Costa Mesa and graduated from NHHS, class of ‘46. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Glass, and they made their home in Newport Beach.

Jim was a fisherman all his life, for work and pleasure. He was skipper and crew on many boats before building his own, Thunderbird, in 1960. Jim and partner, Phil Tozier purchased a small sportfishing operation, Davey’s Locker, and helped it grow into The Balboa Pavilion Co., Sportfishing & Catalina Passenger Services. He retired in 2004.

He enjoyed fishing and hunting, watching baseball, finding shortcuts on road trip adventures, and meeting new people. His lack of the need to be first and on top is exactly what made him so.

Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, daughter Susie, sons Dan, Brad (Debi), and Brian (Anna), and grandchildren Gretchen, Becky, Brittney, Katie and Greg. He is also survived by brothers John and David (Dee), and sister Nancy (Mel) Stansbury. He was predeceased by brother Ed and daughter-in-law Teresa.

There will be a celebration of Jim’s life at the Balboa Pavilion on Thursday July 12, 4:00 p.m.