Janice Elizabeth Sherman

The daughter of Gerald G. and Leone E. (Peterson) Rumsch, Janice grew up with her beloved older brother, Warren. At age 10, she moved with her family from Texas to Minnesota. A natural athlete at heart, she longed to compete in sports like her brother but found limited opportunities for girls in high school athletics at the time. Instead, she became a wrestling cheerleader and later followed Warren to Luther College in Iowa.

In 1968, Janice was seriously injured in a car accident that left her paraplegic. Undeterred by the challenges she faced, she remained determined to live life fully. In 1970, her family relocated to Chula Vista, California, where she continued her education and advocacy for individuals with physical disabilities. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education from CSU Long Beach and dedicated her life to empowering others.

On June 22, 1974, Janice married Robert R. Sherman, who also used a wheelchair. Together, they pursued their passion for adaptive sports, competing in wheelchair track and field events, marathons, and 10K races. Janice excelled in Women’s Wheelchair Tennis at the national level and embraced adventurous pursuits such as solo sailing, downhill skiing, and SCUBA diving.

For over two decades, she worked with summer sports camps for youth with physical disabilities, fostering confidence and self-esteem through adaptive athletics. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ guided her life’s mission of advocacy and encouragement. She sang with her church choir for decades and found joy in crafting and connecting with others.

Jan was predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Leone Rumsch, and her husband, Robert. She is survived by her brother, Warren (Peggy) Rumsch, brothers-in-law Mark and Scott Sherman, sister-in-law Sharon Goertz, nephews Joel (BreAnn) Rumsch and Ryan Goertz, niece Misha (Jon) Hogenson, loving Grand nieces and nephews, Brody, Brandt, Aleece, Olivia and Leo.

Janice will be remembered as a loyal friend and tireless advocate who inspired all who knew her. Instead of flowers, memorials are preferred to : Christ Lutheran Church, Costa Mesa, CA or

Juniors Active in Wheelchair Sports (JAWS)

A celebration of Janice’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 10:30AM. The service will be at Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria St, Costa Mesa, CA. Live streaming at www.christcm.org