SHELBY — The Shelby community is mourning the loss of longtime public servant Jon Schaefer.
Schaefer died Sunday, June 7 at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Hospice of Central Ohio wing in Columbus, after an unexpected and brief illness.
Schaefer served two terms as the law director for the city of Shelby. Then, when the city’s acting municipal court judge became ill, Schaefer was called upon to become acting judge in 1986.
After his predecessor’s retirement, Gov. Dick Celeste appointed Schaefer as municipal court judge on July 11, 1986. He served Shelby and its citizens for the next 30 years until he chose not to run for reelection in 2017.
“Judge Schaefer faithfully served as municipal judge with a firm yet fair hand,” said Shelby Mayor Steve Schag. “I know from personal conversations with him that he cared for individuals and was interested in helping them establish better decision-making processes thereby building brighter futures.
“He positively impacted the lives of hundreds of families in and around Shelby and he will certainly be sorely missed.”
Schaefer was immensely proud of his work in creating a successful drug-court program in Shelby, calling it the “highlight of my career.”
“With the people and the problems we have in town right now, which is horrendous, there are two choices for people on drugs,” said Schaefer during Shelby City Council in July 2015. “They either get treatment and get off them forever and change their lifestyle, or they die.
“It’s easy for some people to say, let them kill themselves. I know a lot of people actually have that attitude. But these are human beings. And I think if we can help save one, it’s very, very worthwhile.”
Schaefer was born Nov. 20, 1948 in Fremont and was raised in Bellevue by his parents, the late Ellsworth and Lois Ann (Fought) Schaefer. He was a 1967 graduate of Bellevue High School. His collegiate studies began at Miami University prior to transferring to Bethel College in Tennessee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in History and Sociology, with a minor in English.
Law school was next on Schaefer’s educational journey as he attended Memphis State University graduating with a Jurisprudent Doctorate Degree. Wanting to return home to Ohio, Schaefer passed the Ohio Bar Exam and a job opening out of law school brought he and his family to Shelby in 1974.
After several years working with another firm, Schaefer started his own practice where he continued to serve clients until his death. His clients highly respected him, and the feeling was reciprocated. Schaefer’s service to Shelby helped thousands of families through various phases of their lives.
“Judge Schaefer exemplified fairness and integrity in the judicial system and legal community,” said Judge Sheree Studer, who was elected to fill Schaefer’s position in Nov. 2017. “He worked diligently to establish a drug court that provided hope and accountability to participants to allow them to become productive citizens.
“Judge Schaefer dedicated more than 30 years of service to the Shelby community and reached the lives of many.”
In addition to his work, Schaefer was a member of Sertoma, the Shelby Knights of Columbus (where he was Past Grand Knight), the Ohio Bar Association, the Richland Bar Association, and the National Bar Association.
Together with his wife Kathy and family, they loved going to Lake Erie. For 22 years they had a boat and loved boating and fishing. After selling it, the couple bought a condo in Port Clinton which they enjoyed together. Both were members of the Catawba West Harbor Yacht Club, where they both were Past Commanders.
Outside of these hobbies and accomplishments, there are numerous things Schaefer was active with that assisted in making him who he was and thus increasing his impact on the Shelby community.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, June 12 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home in Shelby. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Fr. Chris Mileski with officiate and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Due to the current COVID-19 circumstances, both the family and the funeral home wish that everyone remains safe. Therefore, they ask that visitors be mindful of current restrictions, wear masks when visiting, and pay respects appropriately and promptly, without lingering.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School and left in care of the funeral home.
