Justin Davis Shaum

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the death of our precious son Justin Davis Shaum of San Antonio, Tx. Justin passed away Saturday morning June 4th 2022 at NE Baptist hospital after a 26 yr battle with Friedreichs Ataxia, a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease that affected every muscle in his body. Justin was born in Odessa, Texas on Sunday May 16, 1982.

Even while dealing with an increasing debilitating disease Justin met each day with courage and persevered to realize goals he had dreamed for his life. A fan of music, he played the oboe at Hobby Middle School and when that grew too difficult he loved playing his base guitar in the church band. He graduated Tom Clark HS in 2000 triumphantly crossing the stage to receive his diploma from the seat of his new power wheelchair. He earned a BS in Biology from UTSA in 2006. While at UTSA he was employed as a tutor helping others in Biology, Math, Physics and Chemistry. He was very proud to be an alumnus of UTSA and passionately supported every Roadrunner sports team.

His original interests had centered around aircraft and flying and Justin wanted to "fly Blackhawk Helicopters for the USCG" after he saw the impressive orange & white helicopters one day in Corpus Christi. As his struggles with his condition continued, he realized that pursuing his pilots license was not possible. His disappointment was tempered in 2001 when he was hosted by the USAF "Chargin Cheetahs" of the 560th training squadron at Randolph AFB as "Pilot for the Day." The generosity of everyone involved in that day left a powerful impression on Justin. It remains for our family as one of the truly memorable times in Justins life and we have savored that special day for all these years.

Justin enjoyed many sports, especially soccer and baseball, playing when he was able, watching and supporting when possible. He loved the outdoors, loved Walther firearms, shooting and fly fishing.

As a member of the "Friends of Amy" fanclub of Christian music artist Amy Grant, Justin was honored to meet her backstage at a concert here in San Antonio on October 30, 2005 and prominently displayed the photo of the two of them on his wall since that momentous night.

Justins faith, courage and perseverance in the face of difficult physical change and challenges were an inspiration to those who knew him. He chose a wise mans path as he struggled with limitations of his body even as his mind and spirit soared with hope and new possibilities.

We already miss Justins enriching presence in our lives even as we celebrate the hope and joy of seeing him again in a time and place of no suffering, pain or the limitations that he dealt with in his life.

He is survived by his Mom Beverly Joan (Davis) Shaum, his Dad, Randy E. Shaum and one older sibling Corey Dan Shaum; as well as a host of cousins on both sides of the family who loved him and shared summertime joys as kids.

Justin will be laid to rest at a future date in Dyer, Arkansas