James L. Shumaker, M.D., died at the Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center located at Mercy Health (Lourdes Hospital) on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026, in Paducah, Kentucky.
Dr. Shumaker was a pediatrician practicing in Paducah, Kentucky, for 37 years, from 1970 to 2006.
He was born in Paducah on November 3, 1934, and attended and graduated from St. Mary Academy. He achieved his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and his medical degree from Indiana University, where he also did his internship. He was then commissioned as a Lieutenant in the US Naval Medical Corps and served with a Marine helicopter squadron in Vietnam in 1962.
After resigning from the Navy in 1967, he spent two years at the Children’s Hospital of DC (now Children’s National Medical Center), where he received his training in pediatrics.
Dr. Shumaker was the McCracken County representative of the Western Kentucky Mental Health-Mental Retardation Board from 1970-76, serving as Chairman of the Board from 1971-74. During this time, the clinical activities of the organization moved from the Guthrie Building in downtown Paducah to the newly constructed Lourdes Hospital on Lone Oak Road and later evolved into what is now Four Rivers Behavioral Health.
Dr. Shumaker was the recipient of the Lovey Rayburn Award in 1986 in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the area of mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse in the region.
Dr. Shumaker served as the first representative of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in the Paducah Cooperative Ministry (PCM), which was begun in 1973, serving as the treasurer for 2 ministries after the PCM was incorporated. The PCM has grown from its inception to a well-established organization with over 35 congregations providing multiple services for those in need.
For many years, Dr. Shumaker was a Board Member of the McCracken County Humane Society, often serving as the president. During his tenure, negotiations with McCracken County governmental officials resulted in a relationship being established between the two entities, which assured the best possible outcome for animals in our area.
Also, during his stewardship of the Humane Society, major improvements were made in the building with a new wing constructed, a full-time paid director and staff employed, and an on-premise veterinarian and fully equipped clinic being made part of the facility.
Dr. Shumaker is survived by his wife of 47 years, Camilla Campbell Shumaker of Paducah and children, Christopher P. Raymond (Kristin) of Arvada, CO, Vicki Reed (Darrell) of Lexington, KY, J. Christopher Daniels (Vanessa Maib) of Oklahoma City, OK, J. Link Shumaker of Chapel Hill, NC, Paul D. Shumaker (Sophia) of Florence, SC, and John J. Shumaker (Brittney) of Cold Spring, KY.
Also surviving are 10 Grandchildren, Nathan (Caitlin), Eric, and Katie Reed, Fern Shumaker, Mason, Park, and Daniel Shumaker, Austin and Brady Shumaker, and Evan L. Raymond.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul D. and Mary (Mulvin) Shumaker, and one infant sister, Margaret L. Shumaker.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and the funeral Mass will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 5645 Blandville Rd, with Rev. Mike Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Paducah, Kentucky.
Your presence, prayers, and support are more than enough. In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, those who feel especially moved to honor Dr. Shumaker’s memory may contribute to:
·St. Thomas More Catholic Church or St. Mary School System Benefit Fund or
·Paducah Cooperative Ministry or
·Lourdes Foundation or Baptist Health of Paducah or
·McCracken County Humane Society
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of the arrangements.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
