Joyce Darlene Shaffer
November 15, 2022
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Service Details
Joyce Darlene Shaffer, 79, of West Des Moines, passed away November 15, 2022. Services will be held at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road in West Des Moines, IA on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. with the visitation one hour prior.
Joyce was born on July 1, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa to Mildred (Jensen) and Robert “Bob” Loftus. She graduated from North High School and then attended Iowa State University for her undergraduate degree in English. She earned both her master’s degree and her doctorate from Drake University.
Joyce married her middle school sweetheart Jamie “Jim” Shaffer in June of 1965. Together they raised two sons, Eric and John. She shared her love of life and adventure with her godsons Hendrix, Maverick, and Rockwell. One of Joyce’s favorite adventures was spending time in Kauai, where she and Jim made their second home.
Joyce’s career as a dedicated educator started when she taught English in Story City. Her teaching career continued at various schools in the Des Moines area. After she attained her doctorate, she taught English and Humanities at Iowa State. Joyce and her best friend, Jane Bell, formed Change Agents with the goal of helping those in the business world be better communicators.
Joyce’s life was a celebration of friendship, storytelling, philanthropy, and motherhood. She was a lifelong learner who experienced the world through her many travels, including Africa, Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South America and Canada; through worship and community at Valley Church; through passionate competition, whether it be cheering at the Olympics and Grand Slam tennis tournaments, or playing a match in her backyard; through 50 years of Bridge Club; and through enduring friendships including the Ohana - Mary, Pam, Kay, and Patsy.
She was a lifelong educator who taught lessons through vivid storytelling. Joyce and Jim provided the opportunity of a college education to 14 hardworking students—the next generation of lifelong learners.
Joyce is survived by her two beloved sons, Eric and John. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Jamie Shaffer.
Memorial contributions may be directed to North High Polar Bear Scholarship Program.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
James German
11/23/2022
Dear Shaffer family,
I had the honor, and privilege, of knowing Joyce and Jim since junior high school. They were truly wonderful people. I truly admire what they contributed to North High,
I am moving to Edgewater and in my visit to evaluate it had the chance to visit with Joyce. We actually had dinner together. It was a total pleasure and I count it as a blessing that I was able to see her before she passed.
I truly agree with the Martindale's
that they were true examples of lives that we all should emulate.
My sincere sympathies to all the family.
God bless
Mary Lou Hetler Goshen.In.
11/21/2022
Eric and John... cant begin to say how sorry I am about your Mom passing away. so many fond memories of seeing them in Hawaii and here in Goshen. They taught my kids and I how to make Peach Fuzzies at the lake one time they were here..They will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you.
Larry & Betty Martindale
11/20/2022
Dear Eric and John and Family:
It is with much sadness, that we extend our most sincere condolences at the passing of your mother, and our best friend, Joyce. All of Joyces friends, and the Lord above, certainly know the last couple of years have been extremely difficult for the Shaffer family due to unforeseen personal health issues. It certainly seems more than a little unfair that such a generous and giving couple would have such a stressful couple of years before their passing. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that knew Jim and Joyce loved them immensely. As you know, they had a wonderful and charming life and enriched the lives of others beyond measure. Those friends who traveled to the island of Kauai will never forget those experiences being shared one of the most beautiful places in the world. Their generosity to the North High Polar Bear Scholarship foundation has led the way to more future opportunities and a better life for so many students. Neither Jim nor Joyce, as successful as they were in real life, ever forgot, for one second, where they came from. I cant think of anyone more than Jim and Joyce that has made a greater difference in the lives of others. No one we know, loved their boys and family more. They were both examples for all of us. Our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you in the days and months that lie ahead.
Arlene Oneth Gaule
11/19/2022
You were a great friend and will be missed and always remember our playing days in the neighborhood growing up and school days! May you Rest In Peace!
Patricia Smith
11/19/2022
Joyce you will surely be missed. We all loved and respected you in a way that I didn't know was possible thank you for coming into our lives and making it better. I still have the book Freddy the leaf I will keep that book until the end of time it helped Micah but I think it helped me more and I was a grown up. We miss you and we love you