Obituary of James Mark Schaeffer

A private burial will take place for Mark Schaeffer who died peacefully at Aegis of Aptos on August 30, 2011. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he was 83 years old. Mark moved to the Santa Cruz area 46 years ago and for 35 years, was employed as the Financial Controller in the business and finance department of University of California Santa Cruz. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Montana and his graduate degree from the University of California Los Angeles. Mark served his country in the US Marine Corps during World War II. He was always very proud of his service particularly a special assignment to be an Honor Guard at the first United Nations meeting in New York City. He continued to serve his community through many organizations including the Santa Cruz Rotary Club and the United Way, where he volunteered for many years. He was a member of the Santa Cruz Housing Authority Board for 25 years and was chosen chairman several times. He was a founding director of the Santa Cruz GALS Softball League where he helped his own daughters become accomplished athletes, as well as countless other young women. He loved baseball and was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds. He was a supportive and proud father, and cherished his time and involvement in the lives of his daughters and subsequently their families. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shannon Schaeffer of Santa Cruz, his three daughters and sons in-law, Tiffany and Michael McMurdie of Pleasanton, Shauna and John Horton of Soquel, and Colleen and J.R. Cummings of Heber City, Utah. He also leaves his eight beloved grandchildren: Sydney, Matthew, Hannah, Joshua, Nicholas, Wyatt, Nash and Kash. Mark will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by the many people whose lives he touched, helped, and guided during his lifetime. He will be buried in a private ceremony with military honors at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. Remembrances in Mark's name may be made to your favorite charity.