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James Cummings Obituary
Alamogordo - On Saturday August 15, 2020 at the age of 82, James William Cummings passed away at his home in Alamogordo, New Mexico surrounded by his loving family. Jimmy was born to Gerald and Frances Cummings on October 21, 1937. He was the second of three boys; David the oldest and Harry the youngest. Jimmy grew up in Alamogordo and graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1956. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles, California to attend Northrop Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1967. While attending Northrop, he was hired by North American Aviation/Rockwell International ,where he worked on both the Apollo and the Space Shuttle programs. During this time he met Kathleen Newman. They married in 1964 and had two daughters; Erin Cummings Brewster and Kristy Cummings Coffman. In 1982 Jimmy returned home to Alamogordo and began working at Holloman Airforce Base where he worked at the high speed test track until his retirement in 2002. After retiring he enjoyed working on his classic cars as well as collecting guns that were historically significant. He also enjoyed the extra time to explore his home state and its rich history and unique landmarks. Jimmy was known for his friendly nature, generosity, warm smile, and his amazing Mexian food that he loved to share with friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his father Gerry, mother Frances, younger brother Harry "Fuzzy", and granddaughter Hannah Rose. Along with his daughters Erin and Kristy, he is survived by two son-in-laws (Loren and Reid), four granddaughters (Jessica, Lindsey, Natalie, and Faith), his oldest brother Dave, three nieces (Cathy, Julie, and Erica) and two nephews (Chris and Erik). A private memorial was held in Sunspot on Sunday September 6th. A mass will be held in his memory on Saturday September 26, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Light Catholic Church in La Luz. Jimmy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries
Tiffanie Owen
December 23, 2020
I knew something was wrong when I didn't get a Christmas card from you, my friend. How sad I am to find this news on the internet. If not for Covid, I would have visited you more this year and we could have sat on your porch bench and talked about dogs and the stars and complained about politics a little more. I treasure the memory of all those visits...so sad to know that you're gone. But I know that you now know the mysteries of the universe, which I'm sure you pondered so many times over the years. I will miss you very much.
Vincent Esparza
December 20, 2020
Jim, I spoke with you in August and noticed in our conversation that you were struggling to speak, but I knew at our age (your being that should not talk a long time. Now I have many questions. Having known you ,being 10 days older than me, for over 40 years, there are so many things that come to mind.
I remember our time at Northrop Institute of Technology and our struggles going to school. You getting married first but most of all your love for Christ and sharing with me his words. May God grant you his Peace.
Linda Malone Evenson
September 18, 2020
Jimmy was one of the nicest and most humble individuals I knew. The last time I saw him was when my husband and I popped in on him to say hi. We sat in his living room and visited for a few hours. He was one of my favorite cousins. RIP Jimmy.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Linda Malone Evenson
Cecilia Malone Gerdes
September 18, 2020
The last time I saw Jimmy was at my uncles funeral in Alamogordo. He came up to talk to me & so did someone else. As was his nature, he smiled and said he would talk to me later. And that was the last time I saw him. I have lost two very nice & friendly cousins in Jimmy & Harry.
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