James "Rod" Shaffer

James “Rod” Shaffer was born just north of Crooked Creek on the family homestead that was established in 1887. He was welcomed by his parents Jackson and Velma Shaffer and big sister Ruth. He was followed by sisters Donna and Joy.  He told stories of his childhood that included exploring the banks of the creek, adventures with their neighbors the Smiths as well as countless hours spent on horseback. He attended Englewood School where he used the family station wagon as a bus for picking up the neighbor kids. Rod excelled in track and football where he was a 3rd string All-State pick. He graduated as salutatorian in 1959. He worked countless hours hauling hay with some of his high school buddies including best friend Ron Little.

During this time, Rod had met the love of his life, Bonnie Herman, who he courted just before he headed to Oklahoma State University which was known as Oklahoma A&M at the time. They were married on September 2, 1961 in the Laverne Baptist Church. While both were attending OSU, they welcomed their first born Jeffrey Scott on November 11, 1962. His military journey began in college by joining the Air Force ROTC because of a love of flying that his dad had instilled in him. Upon graduating, he enlisted and was accepted into the flight training program at Vance Air Force Base, Enid Oklahoma. After receiving his silver pilot wings, he received specialized training at Castle AFB in California to perform air refueling missions.  Rod was then assigned to a Strategic Air Command unit at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas in 1965. It was there on the base, where their middle son James Eric was born on July 27, 1965.  As a KC 135 Stratotanker pilot, he achieved the rank of Captain and Flight Commander and flew over 70 combat missions in Vietnam. A career highlight was being chosen to refuel the Air Force Thunderbirds during one of their shows. In 1969, he resigned his commission and was honorably discharged from service and moved the family back to Bonnie’s childhood home near Rosston. This was the start of 55 years of farming and ranching. He and his dad, Jackson, joined forces to establish Shaffer Farms. On April 6th, 1971, Rod and Bonnie and the boys welcomed baby Jason Wade into the family just a short time following the historic blizzard of 71. The farm and ranch was a family affair where everyone got their fair share of tractor driving, horseback riding, fence building and everything that goes along with it. The family motto was, “we work hard and we play hard.” Rod and Bonnie enjoyed taking the boys on annual family vacations, camping and boating with the Bell family, frog hunting with the cousins, and outings with the Smith’s and Lenz’s. They also enjoyed the stock shows and little league baseball games the boys were involved in. Amidst all the good times, their world was rocked with the passing of their son, Jason. Rod’s strong faith and bond with his family helped guide him through this rough season of life.

As the years passed, Rod and Bonnie were blessed to enjoy many trips together. Some were with friends, Ken and Nelda Helt and several were to Rod’s Air Force Squadron reunions across the US. Their biggest joy was taking the grandkids camping, fishing and exploring to different states. Every moment spent with them was a teaching moment. The grandchildren will all agree some of their favorite memories were made with Grandma and Grandpa. Once again tragedy struck with the loss of their 1st grandchild, James Bryceton in 2000, just a few days after celebrating a big family Thanksgiving.

Memorial Day weekend was always a big deal with the whole Herman clan coming together to honor those who went before and to celebrate family. Rod and Bonnie hosted these get together for years and loved every minute.

Rod’s faith was at the heart of everything he did. He always acknowledged the Lord in every area of his life. His unwavering faith got him through the sudden loss of great grandson Titus in March 2022 as well as the passing of his lovely bride, Bonnie, in April of last year. Rod gave the Lord praise in everything. He always said “every good and perfect gift comes from the Father”.  And after 84 years on this earth and 61 years of marriage to his best friend and partner in life, he often said that his cup runneth over.

He is survived by his sons Jeff of Enid, Jim and wife Lana of Laverne. Also his grandchildren Mariah and husband Frank, Madison, Jadon, Jace and Kensli along with great grandchildren Barret and Aspen.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Jackson and Velma, sister Ruth, son Jason, grandson Bryce and great grandson Titus.

Rod will always be remembered for his humility, compassion, love of others and his smile.