Who was Jason Shumaker? MTV and VH1 executive dies at 55

Communications executive Jason Shumaker died at 55. He was famous for playing key roles at MTV and VH1 early in his career. As per Deadline, Jason Christopher Shumaker died on February 16 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia.

Shumaker spent more than two decades in communications. He started at NBCUniversal. He later moved to Viacom, where he oversaw teams for MTV, MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic, and mtvU.

Jason Shumaker led communications efforts for many of the networks' live events in that role. The Video Music Awards was one of them. He also served as lead publicist on the Emmy-winning series RuPaul's Drag Race. Shumaker was instrumental in growing the franchise to global prominence.

Shumaker left Viacom and moved on to travel and entertainment startup The Culture Trip, where he worked as U.S. communications director. He then joined Verizon's executive communications team. Shumaker eventually moved to Google in 2022, where he became executive communications manager for platforms and ecosystems marketing. Back then, he focused on events such as Cannes, Mobile World Congress, and CES.

Shumaker also joined Dublin-based global building materials supplier CRH in 2024, where he worked as director of internal communications.

Jason Shumaker remembered for impact on family and colleagues in obituary:

Dignity Memorial posted Jason Shumaker's obituary. The organization helps with funeral and event planning.

Jason Shumaker graduated from college with a BS in Psychology from North Carolina State University. He even got an MA in Counseling from the University of Maryland. A successful career eventually followed that lasted for decades.

As per Dignity Memorial, Jason consulted A-list to D-list celebrities. He worked with reality TV stars, drag queens, and corporate executives. The obituary noted that most importantly, it was the way he treated his family, friends, and colleagues that left an indelible mark on this world.

"Jason was the incredibly fun and gracious uncle to three nephews. He was always up for whatever they wanted from dinner and a show to a cutthroat game of dominos or day at Six Flags to ride every roller coaster in the park…three times," read the obituary.

The emotional obituary shared that the boys are left with a loving and lasting impression. They will deeply miss the time spent together with Jason.

Jason Shumaker's obituary included a lighthearted warning about social media birthday posts:

The obituary noted that Jason was a lifelong member of American Coaster Enthusiasts. He was also an avid horror movie fan. The obituary shared that not many people knew he had a horror movie screenplay in the works.

Jason Shumaker was a passionate supporter of the Arts. He even attended countless on- and off-Broadway productions throughout the years and had recently become an investor in the London-based musical Here and Now.

Jason was famous for his weekend walks around Manhattan, according to the obituary. He also enjoyed hiking in areas outside of New York City and while visiting dear friends in Los Angeles.

He had a deep love for travel and appreciated the benefits it gave him.

"He was a world traveler and loved going to destinations like Thailand and Australia and many, many more. A favorite recent destination of his was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico which several times also doubled as a remote work location while at Google," read the obituary.

The obituary was deeply emotional but also reflected his light-hearted soul. This was a reference to Jason himself. A warning was included about future "happy heavenly birthday" posts on social media.

"Please note, if anyone wishes him a future happy heavenly birthday on social media, consider this a warning that he will haunt you," the obituary added.

His friend Melissa Barreto also shared a few words about his personality and the impact it had on the people around him.

"Jason was truly the best—such a stand-up guy. I never saw him angry or upset; he was always kind and cheerful, often with that big smile of his. Rest in peace, my sweet friend! Sending love to his family and his closest friends, who loved him to the moon and back."

The obituary shared that a celebration of life will be held in New York City. A Catholic mass and burial in Delaware will follow later this spring.

Trending

"In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the NMDP Fund, Atlantic Theater Company or a local blood bank to honor Jason’s life. The immediate family is grateful for the exceptional doctors and staff at NYU Langone and the many relatives and friends who surrounded Jason with prayer and unwavering support over the past year."

Jason Shumaker is survived by his parents, Lew and Cathie Shumaker, his sister Tammy (Shumaker) Golden, his brother-in-law Patrick Golden, and nephews Tucker, Wyatt, and Luke. He is also survived by family and countless friends who loved him dearly.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback