Community mourns loss of area businessman

The communities of Folsom and Orangevale are mourning the loss of a well-known local resident and business owner, who was killed during the Labor Day weekend. Jake Shuman, 35, of Folsom, was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident that occurred Sunday afternoon in nearby El Dorado County. Shuman was riding his 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King on Wentworth Springs Road when the collision occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. According to reports from the California Highway Patrol, the collision occurred near Helix Flat Avenue, east of Ice House Road. It is reported that Shuman's motorcycle struck a 2017 Toyota Rav 4 head on that was traveling westbound on the narrow mountain road, which was driven by a 37-year-old woman from Greenwood. Despite the efforts of first responders, Shuman died from his injures at the scene. By the early hours of Labor Day, many in the Folsom community were learning of Shuman's tragic passing. The local resident was well-known as the owner and operator of Jakes's Custom Cycles in Orangevale. In addition to being popular within the motorcycling community, he was known for his generosity and philanthropy as well. Folsom's Jeff Garcia woke up to the news of his good friend's passing Monday morning. Like many, Garcia was shocked to hear the news and is saddened by the loss of that so many are describing as so giving, especially when it came to local veterans, being one who served himself. "Jake was a unique person with a powerful reach," Garcia said. "He had a hugely diverse group of friends brought to mutual like interests. Jake was extremely generous, not only with his wallet, but with his time. He had a deep influence on local Folsom charity. He employed several disabled veterans and would never pass an opportunity to help veteran causes." A small business owner, Shuman was looking forward to the expansion of his Orangevale shop to a larger location in the coming weeks. According to Garcia, he was an advocate for area small business, well beyond that of his own. "He believed in supporting local small business and frequented many locally-owned establishments, and he always made it a point to take care of staff," Garcia said, who gathered with many Monday to remember their good friend. "It is a strong testament as to who Jake really was seeing the differences in age, ethnicities, genders, backgrounds and views of all the people that are being affected by his loss," he said. "The Eagles Lodge was filled with an enormously eclectic crowd of people laughing and crying in honor of one of our own. Jake felt fortunate to cross paths with so many different people. He will be greatly missed." By Monday evening, a statement from Shuman's family appeared on his business Facebook page, thanking all of his customers and friends for support during this difficult time. The statement also announced that his sister, Nicole, would soon be reaching out to customers to let them know their future plans. Folsom resident and business owner Rosario Rodriguez and her husband, Paul Hayes, became one of Shuman's customers in the past year. Like most of his customers did, Shuman became a great friend to them as well. "He was one of the most genuine guys in our community," Rodriquez said. "Once you met him, he made you feel like a long-time friend and you couldn't walk away without him making you laugh." Rodriguez met Shuman a little less than a year ago when Hayes inherited a trio of Harley Davidsons. While he took great care of the bikes, it was what he did beyond the customer service that stood out. "The most memorable part of his friendship was in the midst of Paul's chemo treatment," Rodriguez said. "Jake would take Paul out for rides with his buddies and they became good friends. Reaching out to Paul at such a difficult time and helping him get out like that is something very special. We will miss our friend." California Highway Patrol officers are investigating the cause of the fatal crash. Weather conditions at the time were noted as sunny and clear. Celebration of life will be Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Folsom Fraternal of Eagles #929, located at 215 Scott Street. No further information has been released at this time.