Jason Schafer

Jason Benjamin Schafer, 17, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in a tragic car accident near his home.

He was born Jan. 9, 1987, in Cape Girardeau, son of Robert J. "Bob" and Shirlene S. Barks Schafer.

Jason attended elementary school at Nell Holcomb, and was currently a senior at Jackson High School, where he played junior varsity basketball in ninth grade and had played on the varsity team since his sophomore year. He was a returning starter and an All-Conference player. Having been on AAU and USSA traveling teams, he played at various colleges and was especially looking forward to playing college ball. He was a member of the school's FBLA and attended Cape Bible Chapel, where he was previously active in the church recreational basketball league.

Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Bradley and Gordon Schafer of Cape Girardeau; and maternal grandmother, Pauline Barks of Grassy, Mo.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Clara Schafer, and maternal grandfather, Melvin Barks.

Friends may call at Cape Bible Chapel from 3:30 to 8 p.m. today, and after 9 a.m. Thursday.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with Dan Greene officiating. Personal stories will be shared by JHS basketball coaches Darrin Scott, Michael Kiehne and John Martin, as well as Jason's teammates and friends. Music will be courtesy of JHS choir director Christy Shinn and a group of high school vocalists. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Jason's teammates and friends.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Jason Schafer Memorial Fund, c/o Jackson R-2 School, or Cape Bible Chapel. Contribution envelopes will be available at the church and will be received by funeral home personnel Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.