Hi Gwen and kids:
I miss John. I would love to share another Cuban cigar in Victoria and catch up with a few of his favorite anecdotes and historic stories.
Rest in Peace John.
Ed Rittenhouse
 (John's brother in law from Seattle)

I am remembering "The Shoe" on this day.  He was fun to work and hunt with, had a  great, quirky sense of humor and got me to go to lunchtime yoga classes in Rosslyn. 😁

To Gwen and the Kids!
I learned about John's passing just today as I Googled his name to try and reach him before heading to Colorado...

I knew John during his ONE, and probably the only, stint out of the military as a fellow trainee at Iowa National Ins. Co. In 1984! He had a great sense of humor including deadpan with puns both in and especially out of class and was always into mischief from weekend road trips to scalping concert tickets! He was also wise beyond his years. He cared and advised those around him like a brother, if you needed it or not! We had another training class, really a reunion, later that year in Pennsylvania at which time he educated us more than the instructors, on life since he was going to move on to the Air Force and could foresee the company folding...

We kept in touch to about the mid 90's when he went off to Europe again at which time he wanted to bestow his wisdom on what to watch before our first trip there!  I received several postcards, especially from Ireland from him while he was there until one or BOTH of us had too many address changes to keep up!

He was a great guy and co-conspirator and it's good to know of his fine sucesses in both family and career, many careers!

Gwen, family and friends - John Schumacher was a good friend from our early days in the Air Force JAG Corps (then Department). We were in the Air Force Officer Orientation Course (AFOOC) and JASOC Class 86B classes that were only a short 35 years ago. We both went overseas for our first duty assignments but our careers intersected in Colorado and we stayed in touch throughout the years. I enjoyed his books, "Mumbo Jumbo" and the "Seventh Psalm." He was a kind, funny and wise man. The world could use more folks like John, who left us too soon but on God's time. God bless you Gwen, Cameron and Allison. You all are in our hearts and thoughts! 
Jeff and Judy Watson

I am John’s brother in law. I married his youngest sister, Anne, in 1978. Anne and I moved to Seattle so would only see John (and Gwen) during Christmas or summer trips to Aurora in the early 1980s.  I really didn’t get to know John very well until he completed his Airforce JAG work and went to work in DC at ATF. John and Gwen hosted our family at their home over Christmas in 1999. John would take us into town on the way to work, drop us off at Smithsonian, Memorials, etc. He would pick us up in 2 hours then he would drop us off at the next place to see. The tours were highlighted when we went to the ATF for a live Thompson Machine Gun shooting demonstration. John had them make Christmas ornaments with our pictures in them. What a host. It was during that trip John and I got to know each other well and would exchange emails over the years to keep in touch. 
During Johns last several years with OSHA and the NTSB he would travel to Seattle for some of the hearings.  John would spend a few days with us when he had the time. We would smoke some cigars and drink some Newcastle Nut Brown Ale that he introduced me to. During these visits I would learn more about world history and family history than I could every find out on my own. He had an amazing amount of knowledge and just Loved to “chew the fat”. I will certainly miss those sessions. 
He always had a good joke, sometimes a little bit risqué to be in a judges email but he would send them anyway.   One of his favorites was the Lost Dog Add:
•	Large Yellow Lab,
•	Missing left rear leg,
•	Right eye gone,
•	Tail bent from door accident,
•	Cant hear in right ear, firecracker.
•	Goes by the name of LUCKY!!!

Gwen,  Allison, Cameron, Johanna and Liam:
 We are so sad that John has left us. Our hearts are with you all. I, in particular,  will miss John and will hoist a Newcastle and smoke a really expensive Cuban in his memory.
Love,  Ed, Anne, Michael and David


I waited a couple of days to write this because I couldn't believe it.  I knew John as a Judge Advocate.  We were stationed together in DC.  After he left, we stayed in contact.  Once I retired from the AF and returned to Colorado and John was in Colorado, we met for lunch several times and John gave me some great advice about looking for my next job.  I always appreciated his friendship and advice.  About a year ago I got a new job and I intended to call John and tell him about it.  I feel sad that I will never have the opportunity.  While I never met the rest of his family, my condolences to them.  Please let me know when you intend to have your larger service for John as I cannot attend on Jan 20th.  

If you ever met him, his goodbye would be a handshake and a “glad you got to meet me, the pleasure was all yours” If you ever called he’d answer with a “this is heaven, God speaking”.  He loved nothing more in life than a good pun, embarrassing his kids, silly postcards and telling inappropriate jokes. Oh, and the Simpsons. Classic Johnny Shoe. 
Like all good kids, we gave him tons of grief.  But he was a great dad and an even better grandpa. His face would light up at the sight of Liam and even when he didn’t have the strength, he would scoop him up with every chance he got. Sadly, he was just a few weeks shy of meeting his granddaughter. But we know he would have adored her and she would’ve had him wrapped around her finger.
For a man who gave 40 years of service to his country, earning countless awards and medals- you would never know it. I’m 32 and just now learning of things he has seen and some of his many accomplishments in life. But again, you’d never know it by looking at him - driving a beat up mini van and wearing thrift store clothes. He silently taught us how to be humble.
He lived many lifetimes and saw the world. Then he shared that world with his wife and kids. Unlike his own childhood, we never went without and we were very privileged to have him; from clothes to toys to traveling around the world. He taught us we wouldn’t get everything we wanted, but we always got what we needed - with some bonuses sprinkled in.
68 years young and was taken too soon. He won’t meet his newest grandbaby and we won’t share a dance at my wedding some day, but he will always be with us. Any good pun or dirty joke will now be followed by a laugh and a “dad would’ve liked that one”
So here's to you, Pops. Rest easy knowing you raised good kids, you were mom’s soulmate and Bear misses you but knows his new job is to take care of her now. We'll have a good German beer in your honor, your Honor.
We love you.
Despite our objections, your final court is adjourned.  

I met Mr. Schumacher when I was 12 or so, and I remember his monotone voice cracking jokes and poking fun of me and Allison and her friends. You couldn’t help but laugh though because his delivery was so spot on, and since his voice was so low, you were forced to pay attention to him roasting you. It was great. It’s hard to lose a parent, but it’s especially hard to lose someone who made such an impact on so many. Cheers! 

John and I served in the USAF JAG in the early 1990s at Lowry, AFB, CO.  Boo and I were blessed by John and Gwen's friendship.  We shared our service and our lives. John had the most unique wit of anyone I've known. And he was a kind soul. My favorite memory was our 'hunting' trip in the Colorado Rockies. While I did not hunt and did not have a gun, the camping and hiking with John, Cam, and John's ever-present humor created a weekend I've never forgotten. Gwen, you and your family are in our prayers.  Peace. Ned.

We were blessed having Judge Schumacher in our office here in Denver. He was an amazing person and so incredibly kind. When you spoke with him, his full attention was right with you the entire time. He will be deeply missed - our most sincere condolences to his family and those who called him friend.

I was so very sorry to hear of John’s passing.  John and I were stationed in England at the same time, he at Bentwaters and I at Upper Heyford.  We both became Area Defense Counsels and I was lucky enough to travel to Bentwaters and work with John on several cases.  I loved my trips there, mainly so John and I could talk pubs and the great English beers we encountered and John could show me his latest pub “collectibles.”  An outstanding lawyer and a generous and kind soul, I will miss him dearly.  My deepest sympathies to his family – may John rest in peace.

Gwen,
The news of John’s death brought with it sadness and a flood of memories of the kindness and friendship you and John have shown us over the years.  From sponsoring us at Bentwaters and teaching us the Air Force ropes to managing JAG duty in D.C., your example and many acts of kindness lifted our spirits and lightened our load. 
May you, Cameron and Allison be blessed and comforted at this time.
Randy & Ronda Snow


Gwen,

So sorry to hear of John's passing.  He was a wonderful, funny, generous guy, and a very skillful advocate.  The cases we worked on together were great fun, and I learned a lot from him.  The world has lost some of its brightness with him no longer in it.

Sincere condolences to you and all the family.

- Bart and Georgia Hillyer

It's such a cliche to say somebody was so full of life, but wow, did that describe the John I worked with at General Litigation in Rosslyn, and the John I stayed in touch with after his separation and retirement from the Air Force.  Warm, hilarious, pragmatic, and always 100% authentically himself.  In 35 years plus with DoD, nobody I encountered was more generous with their time, their expertise, their savvy, or their spirit.  Rest In Peace.

John gave me, when I was promoted, the mess dress shoulder boards that he's wearing in the photo that Eric Eklund posted.  He was a generous, kind, and very funny man.  May he rest in peace, and my deepest condolences to Gwen and family.

John and I served together while deployed to Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1997.  We remained friends afterward, and stayed in touch despite our respective varied assignments.  With deepest sympathies to his family, I have no doubt of the welcome on reporting to his new assignment:  'Well done, thou good and faithful servant . . . .'

There are few people you meet in life that are genuine, friends with everyone,  and sincerely interested in people.  John was one of those rare people.  I met John while serving together at Lowry AFB over 30 years ago, and while our lives diverged, I'm happy to say, we remained friends.   You couldn't help but like John and he was always available to provide advice, a story, or a joke.

We both shared a Navy  enlisted background prior to becoming AF Judge Advocates, and he was in many ways, a "rabbi" to many a young Judge Advocate or colleague.   He possessed a positive outlook on all things and always knew the angle to achieve his objective.

A top notch lawyer, and judge, he was also a first rate person and friend.   While the world is a poorer place for his passing, he leaves the richness of his spirit in the lives of all that knew him.  My deepest condolences to Gwen and his family.



To Mrs. Schumacher & her beloved family, I am so very sorry to hear about John’s passing. We tried cases together in the central circuit many moons ago. It was always a pleasure to see John across the table in the courtroom. He was always a gentleman, and will be missed. May God keep and comfort you all during this most difficult season. Praying for you all. ❤️🙏🏾🌅
Charlie M. Johnson 

John was a singular man.  In intellect, humor, experience, perspective - he lived widely, and none of it was lost on him.  That breadth of experience served him well across all the phases of his life.  It saved me several times as an inexperienced defense  
lawyer in the Air Force.
He carried himself with quiet but intense principle and passion.  He dedicated himself to service of his country in whatever option presented itself.  He prized his family and spared nothing on their behalf - even though, on one occasion, it meant an unaccompanied year in Detroit as a Social Security Administration ALJ so he could return to Denver and maximize his options (something in which he had an unusual aptitude - that was probably a combination of native talent and Navy training).
God rest his soul.  God bless his family.
  
  

So sad to learn of John's passing.  He was such a genuinely nice guy.  I really enjoyed serving with him in the Air Force.   My deepest sympathy to the family.  

So sad to hear of John’s passing.  He and I joined the Air Force at the same time and attended JASOC in Alabama in 1986.  We worked in the same building a few years later in northern Virginia and reestablished our friendship.  John was one of the most interesting people to talk to.  You never knew what story he would come up with next.  I think the most amazing story I remember was him seeking out and interviewing the last surviving World War I veteran.  John was one of a kind. He will be missed.  

People admired John (AKA Shoe) because he always marched to the beat of his own drummer.  The Shoe was an outstanding attorney who did things his way and always with panache.  When we served together in the Civil Law Division (JAC ) in Rosslyn, he decorated his office like an English pub and wore slippers there.   
John was also generous and a lot of fun.   He enabled me to take my son deer hunting for the 1st time and even loaned him a rifle.   
The world has lost a true original and I will miss him.


I was saddened to learn today that John had passed.  We served together in the Air Force.  We used to joke about the Navy and the Marine Corps.  I was a Marine before I was in the Air Force. 
John was one of the brightest guys I knew.  He had a fantastic sense of humor.  He loved his Family.. Gwen, Cam, Allison and grandchild. 
We both shared a love of the outdoors and fishing and hunting and the West.  John was first and foremost a family man and second a Patriot.  He served our Country long and well, in all of his positions. 
I hope his family finds comfort in knowing how many lives he positively impacted and that he loved his family one and all. 

Cam,

My deepest condolences to you and your family.  I am sure you always made him so proud.

From your former teacher,
Karla Mossi

John was a good friend and colleague at the National Transportation Safety Board in Denver. We both, having had previous careers in the Air Force, discovered we'd covered some of the same ground around the world. He will be missed by all of us who knew him up to his retirement. God speed and may He bless your family during this trying time. 

Good bye, my fearless colleague. We fought together for justice, truth and fairness. It was indeed my honor and privilege to serve with you. May God grant you peace and bless those who grieve your passing.

I am so sad.  John was always a great friend.  I was in the infamous carpool with John and Hilde.   We had great times and I can still see his smile and hear his laugh.  My thoughts and prayers are with Gwen and family.  

I am so shocked and saddened to hear of John’s passing. John was my greatest Air Force mentor, a close friend, and a guy who always made me laugh! I loved John and always think of him and all the things he taught me! He will be greatly missed by this world!

Back in the day, John was a member of an exclusive club - the Springfield-Rosslyn Carpool - that was over 23 years ago. He and 3 others, along with my then 2-year old daughter would ride the carpool lanes to work. It was only a 20-25 minute ride, and John made it so enjoyable with his quick-wit and storytelling. We would start and end the day with laughter. Facing any adversity, John always had a plan - always brilliant. Rest in peace John.

I remember a man who would do whatever he could to help you, including teaching you how to make beer.  While we had not talked in years I knew if I needed something I just needed to call and John would help if he could.  Rest In Peace my friend 


It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to one of my oldest Air Force buddies and fellow  Federal judges. John was one of the most unique individuals I’ve ever known, and one of the most faithful friends I’ve ever had. Surprisingly brilliant it was always amazing the things he could do- and did do. I know he will be greatly missed by Gwen and the kids, he will certainly be missed by Jennifer and myself. The world is a much less interesting place without John in it.

John was not only our neighbor he was a great friend and he will be forever missed.  We knew John as a dedicated husband... father... and an incredibly accomplished military and public servant.  We were fortunate to spend many thanksgivings together with our families and watch our kids grow up together and enjoyed many Friday evenings of gaming and cold beer with our friends the Schumachers and Alexanders.  John always had a funny story or a joke to tell.  We are simply heartbroken for the passing of John.

Greg and Cheri Bennett

I am just so saddened to learn of John’s passing.  As a friend and fellow USAF JAG, John was one of those friends and colleagues I held in highest esteem.  He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman, and he was an absolutely brilliant attorney. I just wish I could adequately express my condolences for the sorrow borne by all who loved him.  The bells of heaven are ringing to welcome him home.

Barb and I were so sad to hear of John's passing.  I considered him a close friend, and as a colleague, he was unsurpassed.  John always amazed me with his ability to keep forging ahead, even in the face of obstacles.  I will miss him tremendously.

Cousin John was a classic in every sense of the word.  He will be sorely missed by many.  May our good Lord grant him grace and provide peace to his loving family.
Greg

OBITUARY

John Herbert Schumacher

July 3, 1952 – January 9, 2021

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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