In Memory of SSG James ‘Moto’ Shaffer ARNG (Ohio)
August 8, 1996 – February 24, 2025
USMC Veteran
Deployed to Middle East and Iraq
Alex was a born leader! He knew he was going to serve from the time that he could talk. Everything he did, played, or researched always had something to do with the service. He was a captain of the football team. He graduated from Boot Camp with honors and top of the class. He rose ranks in both the Marines and Ohio Army National Guard as well as held titles for marksmanship and physical fitness with both.
James Alexander Shaffer of Canton Ohio passed away at his home on February 24, 2025.
James went by many nicknames such as “Alex,” “Dozer,” “Shaffer,” and “MOTO.” He was born on
August 8, 1996, in Akron Ohio. Fighting to be born, we should have known from that point that
he would turn into a fighter and a leader. From an early age Alex wanted to be a soldier and that
he did.
Upon completing High School at North Canton Hoover High School in 2015, where he
was one of the captains of the football team, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and
spent the next 4 years serving his county. Once completing his 4-year commitment at the rank
of E4 from the Marine Corps, Alex still felt the need to serve and joined the Ohio Army National
Guard where he rose to the rank of E6 Staff Sargent Second Platoon, 3rd Squad, Squad Leader
out of Tiffin Ohio. Alex loved passing down his knowledge and expertise to new recruits and his
team, whether his team wanted to hear it or not. He never stopped learning and never stopped
teaching what he learned.
Outside of the military Alex loved his family, his brothers of the Leatherneck Nation Motorcycle Club International, the Glorious Bastards Chapter where he is known as “Moto,” and his son Beau who is his pride and joy. Anytime Alex was around Beau he had a smile on his face as a proud father. Alex was a person who you could call anytime day or night, rain or shine and he would be there no matter what the circumstances.
James is survived by his loving wife Sydni and his son Beau, Parents Derek (Laura) Shaffer,
Sister Kaitlynn (Max) Erb, Brother Coleton Shaffer, Paternal Grandparents Jeff (Ellen) Shaffer,
Brenda Shaffer, Maternal Grandparents Robert (Darla) Thurman, Great Maternal Grandmother
Betty Thurman. Mother-in-law and Father-in-law Jamie and Stephani McKitrick, Sister-in-law
Kenedi McKitrick, Brother-in-law Parkir McKitrick, Uncles Steven Shaffer, Jeremy (Amanda)
Thurman, Cousins Gabrial Thurman, Parker Thurman, Noah Allen, Alysha (Ben) Henry, Brittany
Emery, Aiden Shaffer, Nieces Emma and Molly Erb, Nephew Elliot Erb and many fellow Military
Brothers. Preceded in death by Aunt Nicole Emery, Special 2nd Cousin Brian Michaels and fellow brothers who he served and rode with.
Special Mention of his furry companions Luke and Havoc.
States he called home: Ohio and North Carolina (when serving with USMC).
Final resting place: Greentown Cemetery
