Former River Valley Boys’ Basketball Coach Jerry Schaffer passed away peacefully at home Wednesday morning. The family said, “As sad as our family is with this news, there is comfort in knowing that he is at peace in heaven and his courageous 3 plus year fight with cancer is over.”
The public may be aware of his amazing coaching career. What family, friends, former players, colleagues and students know is what a blessing it was to know Jerry Schaffer personally. He positively led by example in every area of his life.
Jerry Schaffer coached at Woodland High School for one year before taking the head coaching position at New Troy High School. After New Troy and Three Oaks merged to become River Valley, he remained as the head basketball coach. He coached at River Valley for 38 years and retired with a career record of 503-293. While at River Valley, his teams won one state championship, seven regional titles, 14 district titles, and eight conference championships.
Coach Schaffer was named Associated Press Class C Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1988, and was inducted into the Michigan Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1992.
Coach Schaffer’s life will be celebrated when restrictions are lifted later this summer. Information will be shared when plans are set.
