James Brian “Jimmy” Shaffer, 45 of Keyport, New Jersey, unexpectedly but peacefully passed away on December 11, 2022 after a brief illness, in the close company of loved ones.
Born on November 8, 1977 in Teaneck, Jimmy was dubbed by his mother “the prettiest baby in Holy Name Hospital”. The family moved south to Lakewood where Jimmy was raised, spent most of his developmental years, and grew close with many of the friends he still has today. A Lakewood Piner, he attended Oak Street Elementary, Lakewood Middle, and graduated Lakewood High School in 1996.
A hard worker from the age of 13 1/2, Jimmy set out on his bike to help the sisters of the Georgian Court College washing dishes, setting tables and other odd jobs. He worked extensively at the Black Walnut Nursery where many of his life-time passions took root. Other early work experiences influenced Jimmy’s talents and skills as a tradesman, handyman, painter and business owner. However, much of his professional career was spent in the premium cigar industry, spanning nearly twenty five years. After owning his own premium cigar store, Westfield Ave. Cigars in Roselle Park, New Jersey, he went on to work for Davidoff of Geneva - Madison Avenue New York, Colibri of London, Drew Estate, Altadis USA, and Vintage Cigar Distributors of New England, but he was especially proud of the seven years with New York’s famed Nat Sherman where he helped build the legendary brand and lead the company’s sales force throughout the United States. Throughout his career, he made lasting friendships with bosses, coworkers, employees, and customers, all of whom know him for his extraordinary charisma and unforgettable personality.
Besides being an amazing, well-rounded and knowledgeable salesman among other things, Jimmy was exceptional in martial arts. Though he had explored many different fighting styles from childhood, ultimately, he was led to “the way of harmonious spirit”, Aikido. He began practicing in 1998 while attending the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Galloway. There he found the aikido club where he met his first teacher Shelby Broughton, whose guidance led him to continue his training at Long Beach Island Aikikai under the direction of Sensei Chester Griffin. As Jimmy advanced, Sensei Chet encouraged him to train at other dojos to grow and challenge himself, so he set out to visit other schools throughout New Jersey, New England, and New York, most notably, one of aikido’s most prestigious headquarters, New York Aikikai, with Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei. At this dojo, he studied, met and trained with many high-ranking instructors, many of whom not only shaped the way Jimmy learned but also how he would eventually teach others.
As an aikido teacher, Jimmy’s methods were unique, unmatched and unprecedented. He was willing to work with each and every student, especially beginners with whom he had unlimited patience and understanding. Though incredibly serious about the art, Jimmy managed to throw in levity and humor while he taught, incorporating relatable anecdotes and trying to make it fun for everyone, leaving them wanting more. His Sunday classes had been endearingly nicknamed “Sunday Services” or “The Church of Jimmy Shaffer”. He eventually became the Sensei of his first school, Long Beach Island Aikikai, humbly co-owning it with one of his original instructors, Sensei Chet and operating it with his wife and fellow aikido student and partner, Marie. His aikido career eventually culminated to his most recent and well-deserved promotion, achieving 5th (Dan) Degree Black Belt, which will be awarded to him next year. Many students likened his aikido presence to that of a Star Wars Jedi Master, his midi-chlorians evident in his beautiful execution of sword and staff (bokken and jo) and effortless hand-to-hand technique. He would most likely want to let these students know that he is one with the force now and he will always be with them.
When Jimmy was not working, training, or teaching, he was helping and giving. Whether tending to his extraordinary backyard garden, arranging bouquets for all the women in his life with the flowers he grew, making intricate, one-of-a-kind centerpieces for the holiday gatherings, taking care of his four cats, or assisting friends, family, and neighbors with anything and everything that one needs help with, Jimmy had an endless spirit of generosity. He was also a master in the kitchen. Anyone lucky enough to have his “gavadeel and brocc”, chicken orzo, sausage and peppers, or “Jewish Penicillin” chicken soup knows the joy cooking brought him and those lucky enough to enjoy it. He especially loved preparing his wife breakfast in the morning, packing her lunch for the afternoon to make her workday easier, and welcoming her home with a delicious homemade dinner. Jimmy was fiercely loyal and dependable, relentless in doing what needed to get done, and doing it the right way. Jimmy was everyone’s “go to” guy.
He loved listening to music and was always ready to break out his guitar or sit at the piano and serenade his wife with his beautiful voice, which will be missed dearly. In addition to being cherished by his entire family, adored by his many friends, and endlessly respected by his students and colleagues, Jimmy was endlessly devoted to his wife Marie, from their very first date until his last breath. He long joked about asking his roommates to straighten up his room for him before he brought her over for their first date - a day that quickly led to a strong relationship, engagement, and marriage. Those who saw them together know they were truly soulmates, bringing out the best in one another, fitting together like two puzzle pieces. Their love story is one to inspire everyone to treat their partners with the same passion, devotion, and respect.
Jimmy’s generosity for those in need was always front of mind. He donated to many charities and always planned to anonymously deliver his winning lottery proceeds in a brown paper bag to Frank Siller’s office. So, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org) in his name.
Jimmy is predeceased by his father James Eugene Shaffer, his beloved pets Puggy, Murphy, Molly and Rorschach, and is survived by his loving wife Marie Joan Shaffer, cat One-Eyed Willie, mother Nadine Frances Calantropio, stepfather Gary Calantropio, sisters Chrisann, Kelly Leigh, and Jessica along with several beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, as well as the countless “little ones” who love “Uncle Jimmy” / “Tito Jimmy”, as well as his dearest friends who consider him a brother.
Visitation will be held at Oliverie Funeral Home, 2925 Ridgeway Rd., Manchester Township, NJ, on Thursday, December 15 with viewing hours from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Liturgy will follow at St. John’s Catholic Church, 619 Chestnut St., Lakehurst, NJ on Friday, December 16 at 11:00am. Funeral and burial services will be private. There will also be a special aikido class at Aikido Red Bank dedicated to his memory on Saturday, December 17 at 10:00 am for aikido students. All are invited to watch, but please mind Covid protocols.

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