Donor Stories

Dr. James H. Shumaker '43

Dr. Shumaker's story begins in Seville, Ohio, includes Ashland College, goes on to medical school and continued in Santa Monica, Calif., where he served for many years as a highly respected physician. Dr. Shumaker's closest friends refered to him affectionately as "Dr. Jim." Dr. Jim's life in southern California was filled with his relationships to two wonderful daughters, their husbands (and of course impressive children), a deep commitment to the Baptist Church, a love of great art and fine antiques, an appreciation for beautiful music and fine food, and many engaging experiences, including carpooling with actor Jerry Lewis when their children were young. Although thoroughly committed to his profession and never straying often from sunny California for long, Dr. Jim loved coming back to Seville to see his beloved step-mother, who lived well past 100, and to visit Ashland University at Homecoming time. A consummate gentleman, Dr. Jim could easily have been the twin of another well-known "Jim"-that of Jimmy Stewart. Perhaps this comparison best helps those who don't know Dr. Jim to better understand what he was like.

Dr. Jim's first contacted Ashland University and gave a significant gift to honor his beloved professor, Dr. Milton Puterbaugh, who he credited with giving him the background to continue successfully on to the medical profession. Dr. Jim's generosity never carried with it a desire to be recognized. However, when it came to the construction and renovation of the Kettering Science Center, Dr. Jim wanted to be sure that students who followed in his footsteps would be encouraged by the proper facilities, so he made another significant commitment through his donor advised fund to ensure that this could be possible.

Dr. Jim was a most generous, humble person who cared deeply and compassionately for those around him. His commitment to Ashland University was very much appreciated as his contributions will serve many generations of Ashland students.