Jim Schaefer

My life is infinitely better because of your role in it, sadly I will never be able to tell you that in person. In 95 When I met you I was awkward, and in shell shock over the people around me teaching. Reeling from even being asked to tag along that summer, I was the guy who brought Amy Clark to camp and taught her in high school. You made me feel welcome and included, we became great friends. You always made me feel special, you didn't have too, I was some guy from western PA without a lot of marching credentials. I was asked by you many times after to come and be a part of your life and teaching jobs, I am so grateful. More than colleagues we were friends, shared some fantastic experiences, and some not so nice ones too, like the AC on the staff bus in 2000 never working! The bus driver in 95 almost killing us going across some bridge in the South as he fell asleep at the wheel, and Michael

Shapiro beating that ball bat against his seat to make sure he was awake! Making open class finals with Magic!! You took me on many of these journeys because of your love for me. Grateful.

I'm so glad we could be together for my wedding, Chris and I are so thankful you and Jeff could make it here.

Chris and I feel so fortunate that you two would make this trip against all odds, who does this? You.. I'm so glad you're not in pain and discomfort any longer, we all are... selfishly I want you here, with Jeff, with all of us where you belong, spreading your light and love. You will never be forgotten..

I apologize for the the sappy song lyrics, but this sums

up how I feel about you.

"It well may be

That we will never meet again

In this lifetime

So let me say before we part

So much of me

Is made of what I learned from you

You'll be with me

Like a handprint on my heart

And now whatever way our stories end

I know you have rewritten mine

By being my friend...

Like a ship blown from its mooring

By a wind off the sea

Like a seed dropped by a skybird

In a distant wood

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?

But because I knew you

Because I knew you

I have been changed for good"

Chris and I send you all our love, Always..

Your "Jimmy" and Chris