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HomeNewsFormer Grand Canyon Antelopes Head Coach John Shumate’s Legacy Lives On Through...

Former Grand Canyon Antelopes Head Coach John Shumate’s Legacy Lives On Through Wife Mary And Three Children

John's daughter Brittany has been married to Alix Pereira.

Late basketball coach John Shumate’s wife, Mary, was involved in the hotel/hospitality industry.

John Shumate, a former Phoenix Suns player in the 1970s who later served as an assistant coach and head coach of the Phoenix Mercury, died on February 3, 2025, at 72, after a brief illness.

Highlights

  • John Shumate sadly passed away on February 3, 2025, after a short illness.
  • Shumate married Mary Shumate, with whom he had three children: Brittany, John, and Ishmael Hall.
  • He is survived by his sisters: Barbara Jennings, Yvonne Winona Newman, Patsy Wright, Lorraine Shumate, and Evangeline Walker.

Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro and the South Bend Tribune were the first to report Shumate’s death.

Notre Dame Fight Irish Athletics poured a tribute to John through their Facebook handle. They wrote,

We mourn the loss of Notre Dame Men’s Basketball alumnus John Shumate and remember the impact the Irish legend and NBA standout left. We lift our thoughts and prayers for John’s family, friends and loved ones.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Athletics

Shumate was a center on the Fighting Irish squad that ended the ICLA Bruins’ 88-game winning streak, leading both teams in rebounding that day.

A blood clot in his leg that turned into a viral infection cost John his sophomore season. He was hospitalized for nine days and lost 45 pounds.

Under NCAA rules, he was ineligible to play during his first year, so he only played two seasons for the Fighting Irish.

Later, he served as a volunteer assistant coach to Notre Dame’s Digger Phelps for 2 and a half years. He coached Grand Canyon from 1983 to 1986, with a 58-53 record.

From 1988 to 1995, he coached for the Southern Methodist University Mustangs.

However, he will be remembered forever for his unforgettable contribution to the NBA as a coach and player.

Wife Mary Shumate Organized Her Husband John’s Special Notre Dame Ring of Honor Weekend

John Shumate married Mary Shumate, who had experience in hotels and hospitality. They resided in North York, Ontario, after their marriage.

However, the exact date of their wedding has not been revealed.

Mary had significantly organized John’s special weekend for the Notre Dame Ring of Honor induction in 2022.

John Shumate with his wife Mary Shumate during the Notre Dame Ring of Honor induction event in 2022. (Source: Arizona Sports)

With her experience in the hospitality industry, she was responsible for planning the event’s logistics, including managing travel and tickets and coordinating meals and meetings.

She ensured that family, friends, and former teammates could join the event, allowing John to take the honor without the stress of planning.

Sadly, their married life ended on February 3, 2025, following the tragic death of John Shumate. Currently, she is mourning the loss of her husband.

Close friends and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences to Schumate’s family and urged them to stay strong in this challenging time.

John Shumate And Mary Were Blessed With Three Children

Former Grand Canyon Antelopes head coach John Shumate and his wife Mary had three children: Brittany Shumate Pereira, John Anthony Shumate, and Ishmael Hall.

His daughter Brittany has been married to Alix Pereira. However, his children have avoided media highlights, so only little is known about their personal life.

On the other hand, reports claimed that John had three grandchildren: Mia Jade, Margaret, and Eliot.

John is also survived by his sisters Barbara Jennings, Yvonne Winona Newman, Patsy Wright, Lorraine Shumate, and Evangeline Walker.

He also had three brother-in-laws and six sister-in-laws.

Additional Information

  • John Shumate received a scholarship to attend the University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
  • He appeared as a member of the Detroit team in the cult classic basketball film “The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh” in 1979, alongside Pistons teammates Bob Lanier, Eric Money, Chris Ford, Kevin Porter, and Leon Douglas.
  • John earned NBA All-Rookie Team honors in his first season after averaging 11.3 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game and virtually tying Wes Unseld for the league lead in field goal percentage at .561.
Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan
Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.
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