James Oliver Shumate

James Oliver Shumate, 83, of Winston-Salem, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home.

Mr. Shumate was born March 21, 1942, in McDowell County, West Virginia, to Elbert Wiley Shumate and Margaret Gentry Shumate. He grew up in the coal mining community of Crumpler, West Virginia then later graduated from Northfork-Elkhorn High School at which time his family moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. James served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1964, spending over two years at a transportation depot in Nancy, France. He was proud of his military service as well as the 20 years at Duke Energy, especially being part of the construction of the Belews Creek facility. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Shumate.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Ann Shumate; one son, James Shumate Jr. (Julie); one grandson, Jacob Ryan Shumate; two sisters, Brenda Shumate Ernstes (Michael), and Patty Shumate Cason (Lester); and one sister in-law, Becky Shumate. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held 2 PM Friday, October 31, 2025, at Hayworth-Miller, Kinderton Chapel, with Jay Fritts officiating. Burial will follow at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons.

The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home 101 Hospice Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, or online to Juvenile Diabetes Reward For A Cure.