James E. Schumacher

James E. Schumacher, 76, of Galena, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Midwest Senior Care Center in Galena. A gathering will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, followed by a parish service beginning at 7 PM. Military honors will be provided by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193 after the service. The burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena on Tuesday. He was born on January 3, 1949, in Dubuque, IA, to Ernest Jr. and Dorothy (Lallamann) Schumacher. Jim graduated from Galena High School in 1966. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad until he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served from 1969 to 1971. After his honorable discharge, he worked at the Savanna Army Depot and John Deere Dubuque Works before spending over 25 years at Signcraft Screenprint, Galena, where he eventually became Floor Supervisor. Jim married Pamela White on February 8, 1975, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena. They were married for 45 years until Pam’s passing in 2020. In his youth, Jim was an exceptional athlete, particularly known for his skills as a dominant baseball pitcher, averaging 15 strikeouts per game while playing for the Galena Merchants Baseball Team. After his military service, he continued to play on various fast-pitch softball teams for many years. In 2022, Jim was inducted into the Northwest Illinois Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his athletic achievements. He was a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts and enjoyed walleye fishing and boat rides on the Mississippi River. Jim was also a passionate supporter of the Galena Pirates, often attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He is survived by his son, Matt Schumacher, and his daughter, Megan (Casey) Kaiser, both of Galena. He also leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Myles and Eli Schumacher, and Chloe and Austin Kaiser. Additional survivors include brothers-in-law Jerry Kieffer of Galena, Dale (Roxanne) White of Galena, and Gary (Rose) White of Helena, MT; sisters-in-law Sandra Brodrecht of Marion, IA, and Cheryl White of Galena; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather, Bernard Peschang, sisters, Janice Kutsch and Mary Ann Kieffer, brothers-in-law, David White, James White, Gene Brodrecht, Ronald “Shorty” Kevern, sister-in-law, Carol Kevern, and a nephew, Jason Kevern. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Midwest Senior Care Community for their exceptional care provided to Jim over the past two years, as well as to Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jessica, for their kindness and compassion that will never be forgotten.