It is with profound sadness that we announce that Dr. Jeffery Shafer, 45, of O’Fallon, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, surrounded by family at St. Louis University Hospital. A devoted husband, father, and a selfless public servant, Jeff leaves behind an enduring legacy of compassion, service, and dedication to his community.
Born on October 21, 1978, in Paducah, KY, Jeff spent his life committed to serving and helping others. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly and compassionately to provide care and comfort to those in their most critical hours. Jeff will be remembered as a hero, not just for the lives he saved, but for the kindness, courage, and love he showed to others every day of his life.
Dr. Shafer’s journey to emergency medicine and EMS first began while he was an undergraduate student at St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO. During his senior year of undergrad, Jeff went to paramedic school and obtained his paramedic license, allowing him to work as a medic for O’Fallon-Shiloh EMS. He continued to work as a paramedic on ambulances during the four years of medical school at St. Louis University School of Medicine and four years of residency at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Jeff then went on to complete a one-year EMS fellowship before becoming board certified in both emergency medicine and emergency medical services (EMS). Throughout his training, Jeff also flew with the St. Louis Children’s transport team and worked as a volunteer firefighter for the City of O’Fallon, IL.
At the time of his passing, Jeff worked for Vituity as an Emergency Medicine Physician for HSHS Hospital System and SSM Health DePaul Hospital and served as the EMS Medical Director for HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital EMS System and SSM Health. Jeff also was the Medical Team Manager for Missouri Task Force 1 (a FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Task Force), a Physician for REMERT, and numerous other emergency response agencies.
Jeff’s life was defined not just by his professional accomplishments, but by the love and devotion he had for his family. His family was the center of his world.
Preceding him in death are his brother, Andrew Shafer; maternal grandfather, Marshall Farris; and paternal grandparents, Clarence and Freda Shafer.
Left to cherish Jeff’s memory and carry on his legacy are his beloved wife of 19 years, Jamie, and their two children, Seth and Allison, of O’Fallon, IL; his mother, Bonnie Howard (John) of Metropolis, Illinois; father, Clyde (Trish) Shafer of Metropolis, IL; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Vicki Ellis of Granite City, IL; brother, Jeremy (Staci) Shafer of Vienna, IL; step-brothers, Patrick (Tana) Howard of Paducah, KY and Steve (Angela) Benard of Goreville, IL; brother-in-law, Jeremy Ellis of Granite City, IL; maternal grandmother, Dorothy Farris, of Metropolis, IL; and cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jeff’s colleagues, friends, and family will remember him not only for his extraordinary work in saving lives, but for his warmth, fun loving personality, humility, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Memorial donations can be made to the Jeff Shafer Memorial and Expenses Fund on GoFundMe – https://gofund.me/26a0f233
Condolences may be made to the family at www.schildknechtfh.com.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 2-6 p.m. at Gateway Classic Cars located at 1237 Central Park Drive, O’Fallon, IL 62269. The memorial service will take place at 3:15 p.m. In honor of Jeff, the family is requesting attendees to wear Star Wars apparel.
Prior to the Celebration of Life event, there will be a procession starting at 1:45 p.m. on Regency Park at Highway 50 and will travel past St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and then proceed to the Gateway Classic Cars venue.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
