James A. Shaffer Jr., 90

James A. Shaffer Jr., age 90, of Kalispell, Montana passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. He was born May 11, 1917 in Chicago, IL to adventurous parents, James A. Shaffer, Sr, and Stella Nelson Shaffer, the last homesteaders of Lake County, "Shipmaster" James Alexander Shaffer, Jr. has passed, his life full of travel, friends, and projects. His parents' home schooled him in the family's lakeshore cabin for his elementary education. He graduated from Polson High School. He loved playing his clarinet and had a dance band that played from Polson to Missoula on the weekends.

Jim enrolled in The Montana School of Mines (Montana Tech), where he studied Metallurgical Engineering. He had a passion for geology, materials, and music. He met and married Frances Kelley of Butte. WWII took Jim into the Army and to the shipyards of Tacoma and Bremerton WA where he worked with the noted naval architect, Ed Monk, designing ships for the war effort. It was there in the marine atmosphere of coastal Washington Jim began thinking of a fine ship design for his beloved Flathead Lake.

Jim returned to Butte after the war and completed his education, graduating from the School of Mines in 1951. He moved his family, Fran and two children, Stella and James, to San Bruno, Cali., where his education was much in demand. He worked for Schlage Lock Inc and Vulcan Foundry before becoming intrigued with the aerospace industry and its demands for the synthesis of new materials. This career, pioneering materials for space, took him to Lockheed and then TRW in Southern California. He and Fran added daughters Melissa, Lori, and Donna.

Following the tragic accidental death of their son James, the family returned to Montana where Jim immersed himself in the design and construction of the Retta Mary (The Far West). On Memorial Day Weekend, 1972, Jim Shaffer launched the Retta Mary, fulfilling his dream of a large steel hull vessel on the waters of Flathead Lake. He operated the ship on the lake for many years, hosting weddings, delighting tourists, and performing the occasional bad weather rescue. Eventually the ship was sold, and Fran passed.

Jim remained in Polson, married Marguerite Busch. Together they owned and operated Mission Mountain Metals, an aluminum foundry. The products of the foundry can still be seen today around the Flathead Valley and in Missoula. The foundry was used to produce the letters on the Lake County Courthouse, for example. Jim and Marguerite moved to Big Arm and then Bigfork where they owned and operated the Ronde Vue RV Park for many years. Marguerite passed away in 1996.

Jim retired and married a college sweetheart, Patricia Monk (Warren, Girman) from Lakeside. They enjoyed their life together at Jim's home in Bigfork and her home in Lakeside.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving spouses Frances and Marguerite. He was also preceded in death by sons James Alexander Shaffer "Sonny Jim," and David Morris.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Girman, and his daughters Stella Larson (Brooks) of Santa Barbara, Cali., Melissa Miller of Newport, R.I., Roberta "Lori" Dapelo (Scott) of Santa Rosa, and Donna Henderson (James) of Brookings, Ore. He is also survived by a large and loving family of grandchildren, Charles Larson (Janette), Alexander Larson (Kelley), Jason Larson (Joanne), Inger Larson Taylor (Michael), Kelley Francis Larsen, Bret Morris (Kym), and Jill Morris. Jim has five great granddaughters, Melody, Oona, Olivia, Charlotte, and Neve. He is also survived by his great grandsons Cody and Jackson. He is mourned by many step relatives, and a community of friends, colleagues and professional associates.

Following cremation, internment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, in the Shaffer Family plot. A private service was held by the family in keeping with the Shipmaster's wishes. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to The Montana Tech Foundation, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT 59701. In the memo please note Koch/ McGlashen Endowment Fund.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Jim's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Jim's guest book.