John Scheuch

“Santa America Santa Claus”
Overland Park, Kansas
1953 – Current

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2020

Beginning in 1975, John Scheuch became Santa. He started making home visits, and then expanding to do all manner of Santa events – parties, tree lightings, parades, and innumerable charity events.

Born in Baltimore, John moved to Kansas City in 1965, where he began his Santa career.

He was inspired by his father, grandfather, uncle, and step-father. Each year, he added more and more events.

John always believed that portraying Santa was a calling and started making Hospice visits in 2005, the same year he discovered an organization, Santa America. Santa America is a 501c3 volunteer service charity.

In 2016, John was asked to become president of Santa America, and in 2018 the headquarters was moved from Daphne, AL to Overland Park, KS. In 2019 the first ever Santa America Symposium was held. Santa America’s Santas visit children in hospice care, children with chronic pediatric conditions, and children dealing with post-traumatic stress. John has his doctorate in Santa Clausology from the International University of Santa Claus and has been a speaker and presenter at numerous Santa Community Events.

In 2016 he was presented with the “Through the Eyes of a Child” award from the Santa Claus Oath Foundation