James M. Sheaffer

May 6, 2019

James M. Sheaffer, 89, of Shermas Dale, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019, with Sandy by his side. Born in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County on January 28, 1930, he was the son of the late Earl J. and Grace E. (Wheeler) Sheaffer. Jim attended Enola High School. He was a retired automotive machinist who loved to work. Even after retirement he continued to grind crankshafts and build engines in his shop at home. He continued working until his health no longer allowed it. Several friends noted, "If Jim can't fix it, it can't be fixed." Jim's greatest passion was driving a race car. He enjoyed a career spanning 40 years, starting at Silver Spring Speedway, where he was the sportsman division track champion in 1962, 1963, and 1965. He won 32 features at Silver Spring. In 1966 he them moved to Williams Grove, Selinsgrove, Port Royal, and other local tracks to what eventually became the sprint car division. He won numerous features in the sprint car class. In later years he ran several years in the 358-sprint division. He enjoyed two feature wins in the 358 class. He also spent two years driving micro sprint. Jim prided himself in the fact that he built his own race cars and engines and won without sponsorship.                 Jim was a lifetime member of the York County Racing Club and was inducted into the York County Racing Club Hall of Fame as the 2015 Past Driver honoree.                 Surviving are his best friend, fiancée, and love of his life, Sandra Kay Campbell; daughters Kimberly A. Sheaffer and partner Dipesh Modi, Harrisburg, and Jamie M. Barrick and husband Edward, Middletown; four grandsons, Ryan Zirkle, Aaron Zirkle, Ian Barrick, and Mason Barrick; two granddaughters, Kacey Zirkle and Ashleigh Linebaugh; great-grandchildren Avelina and Dorian Zirkle, Cayden and Carter Vogelsong, and Zoey Krouse, and great-granddaughter Macie Barrick, due in August. He was preceded in death by brothers Walton, George, and E. Eugene Sheaffer. Jim is also survived by Sandy's family including her stepsons, Bret Campbell of Millerstown and Bart Campbell of Newport, and their families. Viewings will be held on Friday, May 10 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Boyer Family Funeral Home, 101 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield. Celebration of life services will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 11 AM at the funeral home, with a viewing from 9AM until the time of services. Burial will follow the service in Bloomfield Cemetery. Everyone will be invited to share their memories and stories, so please come prepared to do so as we know how Jim loved his stories. Two race cars will be on display at the Lutheran Parrish House, New Bloomfield, during visitation. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Eastern Museum of Motor Racing or York County Racing Club.