James W. Schumacher

James W. Schumacher Age 79, of Tuscarawas Township passed away peacefully at The Laurels on Wednesday August 3, 2011, after enduring a series of long illnesses. Jim was born in Massillon's City Hospital on July 26, 1932 as the son of the late Homer Pat and Florence Schumacher. He grew up on the family farm in Tuscarawas Township off Alabama Avenue southwest. There he began a life-long membership of the Stanwood Community Church. After attending Stanwood's one-room elementary schoolhouse Jim attended Lorin Andrews Junior High School where he learned the game of football. While attending Washington High School Shoes excelled for the Tigers as his teams won three state championships in 1948, 1949, and 1950. His play at offensive tackle resulted with him earning a scholarship from Woody Hayes to play for the Buckeyes at Ohio State. While at Ohio State he earned Varsity O letters in 1952 and 1953. Jim was also an avid horse lover as he bred, trained and raced numerous harness horses. As a result, he enjoyed his racing experiences at Northfield Park and throughout Ohio's County Fairs. To support what he lovingly called his racing hobby Jim continued to cultivate and harvest crops on the family farm for most of his life. In addition, he obviously loved Buckeye football as he and his family enjoyed attending hundreds of Saturday afternoon games at the Horseshoe throughout his life. James is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Eilene (Clawson) Schumacher of the home; son and daughter-in-law Eric and Paula Schumacher of Tuscarawas Township; daughter and son-in-law Jody and Brady Stewart of Tuscarawas Township; grandchildren Patrick and Noelle Schumacher, Paige and Payton Stewart; brother and sister-in-law LeRoy and Betty Schumacher of Massillon; brother and sister-in-law David and Barb Schumacher of Tuscarawas Township; cousins Becky (Bill) Dixon of Jackson Township; Betsy (Pat) Todoran of Columbus; Yvonne (Bobby) Maksim of Canton; Blake Dixon of Ashland; Sara (Bill) Conley of Columbus. Jim served terms as President of the Tuslaw Booster Club, Tuslaw Lions Club and the Stark County Fair Association. He also served as an elder and deacon for Stanwood Community Church, where he also taught Sunday School. He has been a member of the Varsity O Alumni Association, the Buckeye Boosters Association, the Massillon Tiger Booster Club, the United States Trotting Association, the Ohio Harness Horseman's Association, and the Stark County Harness Horseman Association. Once a Tiger always a Tiger, Jim and Eilene loved the Tigers and continued to attend and support Massillon Tiger football throughout son Eric's coaching career. After 32 years and as their first employee Jim retired as Plant Supervisor from Ohio Packaging Corporation in 1995. But his biggest love was his family, especially his grandchildren Patrick, Noelle, Paige and Payton. A celebration of Jim's wonderful life will begin at the Paquelet Funeral Home with calling hours on Friday August 5th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday August 6th at Stanwood Community Church. Prior to the service final respects will begin at 10:00 AM. Stanwood Community Church is located at 14715 Stanwood St. SW 44662. The church is located in western Tuscarawas Township at the corner of Alabama Avenue SW and Stanwood Street SW. Our great friend Pastor Dale Boston will officiate. Burial will immediately follow at the Stanwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Jim's name to Stanwood Community Church at the above address or to help find a cure to Polycystic Kidney Disease. PDK Foundation 8330 Ward Parkway, Suite 510 Kansas City, Missouri 64114-2000 or online at www.pdkcure.org Over the years, James was blessed with the best local doctors who truly made a difference. Special thanks to Doctors Brian W. McClain, Robert C. Erickson, Michael L. Lykins, Anthony J. Degenhard, Timothy L. Hagen, and Susan Coss. The family would also like to thank the staffs at Aultman Hospital and The Laurels for the wonderful care provided this past month. Lastly, words cannot express our appreciation for all of the critical care given many years ago by Doctor A. Lawerence Cervino at Akron's City Hospital and at the many doctors at the Cleveland Clinic.