James Edward Schaefer

Jim Schaefer, 68, of Sylvania, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025. Raised in Toledo, Jim was born on March 2, 1957, in San Francisco, CA. He graduated from St. John’s Jesuit High School, John Carroll University, and The University of Toledo College of Law.

While in law school, Jim met the love of his life, Debby Schaefer, whom he married and celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on December 26. Together, they built a life filled with faith and love.

Jim worked as an accountant and earned registration as a Certified Public Accountant while in law school. In 1982, he passed the Ohio Bar exam and joined Arthur Andersen & Co. in their tax division before transitioning to legal practice in 1992 when he joined the firm now known as LaValley, LaValley, Todak & Schaefer. Jim loved working with the LaValley team. Jim loved serving his clients, many of whom became great friends.

In addition to his career helping others, one of his greatest passions was coaching youth sports. Over many years, he coached many basketball teams at St. Joe’s and St. John’s Jesuit Academy. Jim loved using sports to teach some of life’s great lessons. When it came to rules for his teams, above all was “have fun.” He was beloved by his players. To this day, many refer to him as “Coach” above all other titles. In addition to coaching basketball, he was an avid fan and supporter of St. John’s Jesuit, where he would be seen at center court or heard cheering on his kids on the cross-country course.

Jim’s life was defined by his faith, family, friends, service, sports, Sylvania Country Club, and all things St. John’s Jesuit. Always the life of the party, Jim easily made friends wherever he went.

Jim is a member of the SJJ Hall of Fame, a former caddy, long-time member and Past President of Sylvania Country Club, former President of Harbor Behavioral Health Board, chaired the Community Coalition for Effective Education, and served on many other boards and committees.

Jim was preceded in death by his dad, F. Edward Schaefer, and in-laws, Bob (Bill) and Jean Geis. He is survived by his wife, Debby Schaefer, his mom, Pat Docis, his children, Patrick (Lauren) Schaefer, Caitlin Schaefer, Robby (Kelcie) Schaefer, four grandchildren, Cici, J.R., Katherine, and Remy, and his siblings, Dave (Ann) Schaefer, Mary Pat (Andy) Marmion, and Terry (Amy) Schaefer.

Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home on Sylvania Ave. Thursday, January 1st from 1 – 4 p.m. A mass celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 2nd, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sylvania and will be followed by a reception at Sylvania Country Club. Interment will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 3rd, at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to St. John’s Jesuit High School.