James Willard Shafer, age 91, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at his home.

James was born on June 9, 1933 to the late David Monroe Shafer and Liddie Strickland Shafer in West Virginia.

He enjoyed wood working.

James was preceded in death by his parents, David and Liddie Shafer, son, James Monroe Shafer, brothers, Ovard William Shafer and Alvin Shafer, sisters Mable Snodgrass and Belva Scarbro.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Jeanette Shafer, sons: John Shafer (Tammy) of Somerset, Ky; daughters: Julie Judy (Edward) of GA; Janice Mann (Rodney) of VA; Joanna Sonmor (Jon) of AL; stepsons: Danny Arthur (Loretta) of Burnside, Ky; Kent Arthur of UT; Christopher Arthur (Cheryl) of Bethelridge, Ky; stepdaughters: Donna Keating (Paul) of AZ; Tracy Dobbs of Somerset, Ky and Darla Tesch (Jeff) of IL; 23 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 from 5 to 8pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 10am at the funeral home with Bro. Edward Judy and Barty Bullock officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Memorial Gardens. .

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Lake Cumberland. Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for James Willard Shafer.