Thomas “TJ” Shaffer, Jr., 31, of Indiana passed away January 22, 2017 of an accidental drug overdose after a long battle with addiction. He was a son of the late Thomas L. Shaffer Sr.
TJ never wanted to be defined only by his addiction and mistakes. TJ talked about how to break the stigma about addicts and get people talking about the problems of an addiction taking away so many young lives. The one he was worried about the most was his nephew “Jay.” TJ was a wonderful man who fell into its grips. It can happen to anyone. He was feisty and an outspoken man and would do anything for anyone. He always lit up a room with his smile and sense of humor, even with his struggles. He loved his family and his fiancée, Brenda L. Rankin and wanted to adopt every stray dog he saw.
TJ believed in second chances maybe because he needed another chance for himself and other addicts. He wanted to live and mostly he wanted to be a better man. He fought hard all the way to the end, but could not break free of his demons. Addiction does not discriminate; it will take a hold and destroy anyone in its path; including the family and people who loved them. Addiction hides its face every day in the people all around us.
TJ isn’t just another statistic of just another “gone too soon.” He had a great heart with a bright future and a gift that the world has lost and can never be replaced.
TJ’s obituary was based on a recent obituary written by Michelle Schwartzmier for her daughter Casey Schwartzmier.
There will be no visitation or funeral service. A graveside service is being handled by his family. The family is being served by the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana.
This obituary is protecte
