James R. Shuman

James Richard Shuman, 92, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Lancaster General Hospital. Born and raised on a dairy farm west of Lancaster, he was the son of the late Richard R. Shuman and Ruth E. Eshleman Shuman. James was married for 63 years to his high school sweetheart the late Mary Lou Rohrer Shuman who died on February 12, 2015. 

James was a member of The Community Church at Garden Spot Village where he faithfully served as deacon for 12 years. Serving in the U.S. Army for 2 years during the Korean War, he was a platoon leader and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He started his own masonry business which he managed successfully for 35 years while also helping to build many Habitat For Humanity homes.  James was a volunteer fireman for 30 years as well as being treasurer and assistant fire chief. He served on the East Hempfield Planning Commission for 8 years. James was a member of the Columbia Fish and Game Club, a charter member of the Home Builders of Lancaster County, and a charter member of the Korean War Veterans Association. He was also a member of Gideons International. He taught masonry at Willow Street Vocational School and would speak at Garden Spot High School during Veterans Day presentations.

After retiring, James and his wife served as short-term missionaries on numerous occasions where they helped to build churches in Venezuela and Honduras and rebuilt homes in Sanford, FL and Homestead, FL after natural disasters and helped on several MDS projects. They delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and travelled extensively both domestically and internationally. They spent much leisure time at their mountain property fishing and hunting, and when the grandchildren arrived, James would teach them to fish, make homemade ice cream and build campfires. James enjoyed woodworking and his various Bible study fellowship groups.

James’ legacy is the family he so cherished and the godly and faithful example he left behind.  He had a true servant’s heart and continued to serve others until his last days on this earth. 

James is survived by his two children, James R. Shuman, Jr. (Kathleen) of Middletown, PA and Annette L. Liew (Thomas) of Easton, PA.; six grand children and 8 great-grand children; sister Ruth Cunningham (Paul) of Lancaster, PA.

A memorial service for James will be held on April 22, 2023 at The Community Church of Garden Spot Village, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA at  10:30 A.M. with Pastor Chet Yoder officiating.  Memorial contributions may be made to GSV Benevolent Fund at the above address. To leave online condolences please visit: debordsnyder.com.