Obituary of James McBride Shumway

James McBride Shumway, 66, passed away at home on October 10, 2014, after a determined battle of more than 6 years with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Jamie was born in San Francisco CA on December 16, 1947, the son of Berte Alden Scovel of San Francisco CA and James McBride Shumway, originally from Assumption IL. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Lizbeth Ann (Betsy) Pyle, his son Wesley Alexander Shumway, and his mother Berte A. Olson, all of Morgantown; his brother Ralph Scovel Shumway of Honolulu, HI; his step-grandmother Isobel C. Scovel Krell of Mt. Shasta CA; extended family members from across the United States; and friends both near and far. He was preceded in death by his father, James McBride Shumway, Sr. Jamie graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield CA in 1966, and the University of the Pacific in Stockton CA in 1970. He earned a Master of Education degree from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1976 and his PhD in Higher Education in 1981, specializing in Medical Education. He worked in the Schools of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Kentucky from 1980-84, and then joined the West Virginia University School of Medicine in 1985. Jamie served as Associate Dean for Medical Education at WVU for 20 years. He chaired the WVU Faculty Senate during the 1998-99 academic year, and was Interim Dean of the WVU School of Pharmacy during the 1994-95 academic year. During his career at WVU, he actively participated in the work of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), reviewing medical schools throughout the United States and Canada as part of the accreditation process for medical schools. He also developed on-going work relationships with the Centre for Medical Education at the University of Dundee in Scotland and the Oman Medical College in Muscat and Sohar, Oman. In addition to his professional pursuits, Jamie worked to protect rivers and other natural spaces in the State of West Virginia through citizen advocacy. He was a founding member of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and enjoyed whitewater canoeing, kayaking, and fly fishing in this State and across the USA. He also loved skiing, hiking, and camping and shared these passions with his family and friends, making countless treks to national parks and other protected areas nationwide. Jamie embraced his son’s passion for soccer, and was a great “soccer dad” as well. The family gratefully acknowledges the help offered by close friends over the past few years who provided assistance in many ways, and by individuals who worked in caregiving roles. Those who would like to honor Jamie’s memory and legacy may do so with a gift to the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, the James M. Shumway WVU Health Sciences Library Endowment, or any organization of your choice. Following Jamie’s wishes, cremation arrangements have been provided by Hastings Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at 4 Pm Monday, October 20th at the Fukushima Auditorium of the WVU Health Sciences Center. Those who would like to honor Jamie's memory and legacy may do so with a gift to the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, the James M. Shumway WVU Health Sciences Library Endowment at the WVU Foundation, or any organization of your choice. Send condolences online @ www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.