James K. Shaffer

Jim Shaffer, age 73, of Des Moines, passed away on November 7, 2025, surrounded by love.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 13th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 14th, at 11:00 a.m. Both will be held at the Saylor Township Fire Department, 211 NW 54th Ave in Des Moines. After the funeral, a graveside service will be at Pine Hill Cemetery. We will return to the fire station for a time of fellowship with a luncheon.

Jim was born on August 26, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, at Lutheran Hospital, to Winona (Elizabeth) Ripley and John Shaffer. He graduated from Dallas Center High School and later served in the United States Air Force for 2 years.

Throughout his life, Jim worked hard and took pride in everything he did. He was a mechanic and heavy equipment operator before finding his calling on the open road. He spent the majority of his career trucking all over the United States, and after marrying Rhonda in 2009, he stayed closer to home, continuing to drive locally. Jim could get anywhere without a map and had countless roads and places committed to memory.

 Jim’s natural talent and uncanny skill for “fixing anything” (literally... anything), was known and admired by many. His strong work ethic and dependability earned him deep respect from everyone who knew him.

Jim was blessed with his children, Shawn, Kimberly, and Johnny, who were always a source of pride in his life. On September 18th, 2009, he married Rhonda Hosler, who brought her son Nickolas into the family. Together, they built a blended and beautiful family rooted in love and laughter.

Jim loved spending time at the lake house with Rhonda, surrounded by friends and family. He especially enjoyed being captain of the pontoon boat, driving everyone around the lake on summer days and nights. He also loved fishing, motorcycling, and time spent with his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy and pride.

As his son Johnny wrote, “He liked to think of himself as a bit cantankerous, but those who knew him best saw the truth — a man of strength, moral fortitude, and deep character whose gruff humor often hid a heart full of love, unwavering principle, and a quiet romance for life itself.”

Jim will be remembered for his strength, his humor, and his steadfast love for those closest to him. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Hosler; sister Patricia (Roger) Kuhl; children Kimberly Allar (Daniel), Johnny Shaffer, and Nickolas (Sierra) Belluchi; daughter-in-law Kimberly Wiebke; and grandchildren Elizabeth Wiebke, Ethan Allar, Clara Allar, Dylan James Shaffer, Ella Allar, Grant Allar, Declan James Belluchi, and Nolan Belluchi.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Ronnie, Dick, and Curtis; his sister, Linda; and his son, Shawn Wiebke.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saylor Township Fire Department in honor of Jim’s memory.

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