Jack E. Shaffer passed away on May 6, 2019. 

He was born in Minnesota in 1928, before moving to California, where he grew up in both San Francisco and Watsonville. As a young man, Jack served in the Navy, during which time he was stationed in Florida and San Diego. He earned his BA in art, his teaching credential and other degrees from Humboldt State University. Jack and his wife, Virginia, built their first home on Old Arcata Road, before marrying in 1952.

Jack’s first teaching job was in 1953 at Peninsula Elementary School in Samoa. He then taught at Arcata High for 36 years, teaching art, photography and history. Jack went on to serve as guidance counselor, vice principal and assistant superintendent over the course of his career. His hobbies included old cars, building boats and flying planes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Lillian Shaffer, and his brother Bobby Leroy Shaffer. He is survived by his wife, Virginia, his sister, Patricia Gibson, his children, Hollie and Mark, son-in-law, Michael, four grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, Moira and Jay, granddaughter-in-law, Catheline, and five great-grandchildren, Caleb, Faith, Grayson, Cibella, and Adlei.

At Jack’s request, there will be no service.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jack Shaffer’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.