James Shumaker

The Greatest man to have blessed our lives has taken his humor and good looks and went to be with Jesus and his wife of 32 years.

James E. Shumaker (81) of Jeannette Pa was called home to be with our Lord on Saturday August 8th, 2026 with his family by his side and more love than his heart could hold. He was born November 19,1944 in Jeannette a son of the late Earl and Mable (Wolf) Shumaker previoulsy of Rilton.Dad was a drafted Vietnam Veteran for the United States Army, where he dutifully served from 1965-1967. Thankfully he was stationed in Thailand where he spent his tour as a cook because we all know his aim was not that great and he didn’t have the heart to kill a mouse. Well, maybe an occasional bird.

James was a lifelong resident of the area and spent most of his career working at Hockensmith where he poured iron molds. Later in life he was employed by St George Crystal where he worked in the hot end pouring beautiful crystal trinkets that are still displayed in homes. His most important role was being an incredible father, grandfather and an even more amazing husband.

In his most recent years James was able to achieve his life long goal and purchased a beautiful home near his family in Jeannette. His favorite pass time has become retail therapy, decorating his home, riding on his daughters 3-wheel motorcycle to bike rally’s and Gettysburg to see his friends, but he especially loved attending concerts in the park weekly with his favorite son Mike. Daddy was a man always willing to help, always put everyone else ahead of himself and always had a joke or someway to make everyone laugh, even in his final days, he always had the room erupting into laughter. We always knew he was a selfless man, but when he asked for permission to finally give up a fight he couldn’t win, he proved he was far more than selfless. If you knew our father, you instantly loved him and he instantly loved you. Dad’s zest for life was fierce and his friends and family gave him the fuel he needed to exist.

James is Survived by his 4 children; Lisa (Jim) Sherin, Michael, Theresa (Kevin) Whitefield, and Veronica, also, 16 Grandchildren, and 12 Great Grandchildren. Dad was also survived by his 3 step children who he watched grow with his wife Paula; Tullyne (Eric) Myers, Jason (Elaine)Smiley and Eddie (Ashley)Smiley. And his last remaining brother Alvin Shumaker (86) of Jeannette Pa, several nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and of course, his beloved dogs Tank & Lucy.

Dad was proceeded in death by his wife of 32 years, Paula, who took part of him with her when she left; twin newborn siblings, Shirley & Earl, his brothers; Ronald, Frank, Paul, and John, and also the mother of his children, Marlene and enough friends to keep him company for a while until we get there. A heartfelt THANK YOU to our amazing aides who spent every moment possible making him feel loved and comfortable.

Friends will be received at Mason-Gelder Funeral Home, Inc. 201 N. First St. Jeannette on Wednesday August 12th from 4-8PM A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11am in the funeral home with Pastor John Custer. Interment will full military honors will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park. Please pray for his children as he took a huge part of their soul when he left. God speed Hobbit, never will time be the same without you. You are so very loved and we miss you already.