OFFICER JAMES J. SCHUMACHER

California Highway Patrol - Merced

End Of Watch: June 13, 1981

June 13, 1981 on the northbound lanes of Highway 99, south of Worden Road about four miles south of Merced, 33 year old CHP Officer Schumacher had just finished writing a speeding ticket and warned the speeder to be careful pulling out on the roadway when Turner was hit while standing four feet from the edge of the highway, a sleepy driver drifted off the road and struck him. He was killed instantly.

Born in Sacramento Co., on Sept 23,1947 to James J. Schumacher Sr., and Mary L. Cargay; he was the oldest of six children, brothers; Jerome, Lawrence, sisters; Virginia, Maryann and Barbara. Officer Schumacher was a graduate of Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, attended Golden West College and then served in the United States Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant; graduated from the Academy and was appointed to the California Highway Patrol on May 19, 1969.

In Sept 1969 he married Berta Linberger, they had two sons; James, and Andrew. He was a 12 year veteran of the C.H.P., having served in the South Los Angeles, Westminster, and Merced areas. He was transferred to the Merced area in Jan 1980. He loved the great outdoors and was an avid backpacker.

The portion of Route 99 between Athlone Road (S of Merced) and Worden Avenue in Merced County is officially named the "CHP Officer James J. Schumacher, Jr., Memorial Highway". CHP named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 111, Chapter 32, April 22, 2002.