Obituary of Matthew James Schaeffer

Matthew James "Jim" Schaeffer, of North Caldwell, died peacefully surrounded by his family on February 23, 2016. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-two years, Frances Schaeffer; his brother William and his spouse Mary; his sons John, James and Christopher and their spouses Madelyn, Beverley and MaryAnn; his grandchildren Michael John, Tyler John, Jacqueline Marie, Elisabeth Cullen, Stephen James and Luke Joseph. He was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews and their children. Jim served honorably in the United States Marine Corps 1st Division from 1945 to 1946. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Jim graduated from Newark College of Engineering, now NJIT, with a degree in mechanical engineering, and was admitted to practice in New Jersey as a licensed professional engineer. In his work as technician and later chief engineer for Davis Instrument Company, he helped commission the first air pollution monitoring station in New York City. In 1969, with his friend and partner Phil Scholz, Jim founded Control Instruments Corporation to develop industrial safety instruments to protect lives and property. He held several patents for his inventions. A lifelong learner, he taught himself many fields of science useful in the measurement of vapors and gases. The instruments he designed and built can be found in countries throughout the world, on pipelines, in refineries and chemical plants, on submarines, in nuclear plants, and on a wide range of industrial machines, where they protect against fire, explosion and pollution. In his volunteer work with the Instrument Society for Automation and the National Fire Protection Association he helped write industrial safety codes used throughout the country. Among his favorite pastimes were auto mechanics, photography, scuba, and sailing, but he enjoyed most a lifelong passion for flying. As an instrument-rated pilot and aircraft owner, he flew to many destinations throughout the USA with his family and friends and, especially, his close friend Joe Van Eyzeren. He will be remembered for his humility, generosity, humor and deep concern for others. A memorial mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, NJ 07006 on March 12 at 10 AM, to be followed by a repast. Arrangements in care of the Codey & Jones Funeral Home of Caldwell, NJ. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com.