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James Cumming Obituary
Indianapolis - James R. (Jim) Cumming passed away Friday October 11th. Born May 2, 1939 to George and Sylvia Cumming in Des Moines, Iowa and raised in Bedford Indiana, Jim graduated from Bedford High School in 1957. He then enrolled at Wabash College where he began his life-long commitment to Wabash. A four-year starter at center for the Wabash basketball team, Jim's teams played in the NCAA tournament three of the four years and he still holds the single game rebounding record at Wabash (23!). He was elected to the Wabash Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008. Jim, a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity also began his academic preparation for his career in medicine at Wabash. But clearly his best accomplishment in college was meeting Susie who would become his best friend, love of his life, and wife of 57 years.
After graduation from Wabash in 1961, Jim attended IU medical school where he graduated in 1965, then completed pediatric residency at Methodist Hospital in 1968. After a fellowship year in pediatric cardiology at Riley Hospital in 1969, Jim began his pediatric practice in Indianapolis and a deep commitment to thousands of patients and their families whom he was blessed to serve over the course of 48 years.
Jim relished all things Wabash College, Indiana University athletics, fast cars, snow skiing, travel and especially, spending time at Walloon Lake in northern Michigan (his happy place) with Susie and family.
Jim served many organizations and provided leadership as a board member for: The National Association of Wabash Men, Riley Children's Foundation Life Governor, Adoption Services, Inc., Meridian St. United Methodist Church, Indiana Pediatrics Inc, Indiana University North Hospital, Wabash College and the Indiana University Athletics Committee.
Jim was awarded the Hurt Outstanding Freshman Award at Wabash, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical honorary, Top Doctor in Pediatrics by Indianapolis Monthly (several years) and the St. Vincent Outstanding Physician of the year in 2008.
Jim is survived by his wife Susie (Birdzell), brother Alec (Susan), sons John (Ruthie) and Jim (Megan) and six grandchildren, Jack, Maggie, Annie, Elly, Avery and Josie. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Jody (Dyer).
A calling will take place Thursday, October 17th from 3:00 - 7:00 pm at Meridian Street United Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Indiana. A memorial and celebration of life will be held Friday, October 18th, at 11:00 am, also at Meridian Street United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family would request donations to either Wabash College - Global Health Initiative 301 W. Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, The Dr. James R. Cumming Fund in Excellence for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Riley Children's Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St, #200, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Meridian Street United Methodist Church, 5500 N Meridian St, Indianapolis IN 46208 or IU Simon Cancer Center, 1030 W. Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
You may visit www.leppertmortuary.com to share a memory of Jim.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Cumming
Ed Voris
October 6, 2024
A great friend.
Ed Voris
October 16, 2023
Jim was a good friend. We spent a lot of time together growing up in Bedford. I always admired his attitude and values. After high school we didn't have the opportunity to see each other often, but I will always count his friendship as a blessing.
Ed Voris
October 6, 2022
Jim was a good friend and a classmate of mine. He always wanted to be a doctor and became a great one.
Linda Hullett
July 27, 2021
Dr Cumming was the best doctor to our triplet daughters. I recall his steadfast, conscientious care from day 1. Thank you Dr Cumming. Blessings to the family.
Suryavamshi Murthy
January 5, 2021
Dr. Cumming was an awesome doctor who was our Son’s pediatrician until he retired. We as a family are really saddened to hear of his passing and pray to almighty god to allow his soul to rest in peace. We love you Dr. Cumming and you will always have a special place in our hearts.
Kushal, Sowmya and Suryavamshi Murthy, Carmel, IN.
mark
October 6, 2020
What an amazing Doctor Jim was for our oldest son. His son has had big shoes to fill, and is doing fantastic--his Dad is proud of him!
Isabella, Mei-Mei & Raymond Habash
October 29, 2019
God rest his soul. He was a good human being and a great doctor! Our prayers are with his entire family!
Ann Sawyer
October 24, 2019
We returned from vacation to learn of Dr. Cumming's death. We are so saddened to hear this. I worked with him over years and he was the BEST pediatrician- kind, calm, knowledgable, attentive. Both of our children were patients of his and respected him so much. Our grandchildren are his son's patients. He has left a legacy to challenge others to follow his gentleness, sincere caring, and sharing of his expertise. May your fondest memories bring strength to bear the pain of loss.
Ruth Anne (Scheel) Pruitt
October 22, 2019
I'm heartbroken to learn of Dr Cummings passing. II had the privilege of being his office nurse in the late 70's at the 8801 N Meridian office. He truly was a man after Gods own heart and it showed in every aspect of his life. In a world with few heroes he was one of mine. Even though we were a great team at the office we were basketball rivals; he an IU graduate and me UK. His playful side was delightfully evidenced by the pep rally he Susie and I had one day at the office. Susie came in at lunch time and decorated everywhere with red and white. Dr. Cumming put on an IU shirt and at that pint I took my white lab coat off to reveal my UK, blue and white shirt and rolled up the legs of white uniform pants to reveal blue and white socks. We laughed so hard and then went back to work like that. Not one patient said a word. As a physician and as a human being he knew few equals Those of us who knew him are most fortunate. He touched so many lives always positively. I wish for Susie and all the family the warmth of the certain knowledge that he treasured you the most.
The Bisbecos Family
October 20, 2019
Dr. Cumming will live on in the memories and lives of those he cared for. His passion for his profession was evident and the contribution he made to the lives of others during his time on earth is immeasurable. We thank him for his dedication to our family. May fond memories console his family.
Sandy Sommers
October 19, 2019
Dr. Cumming was not our pediatrician, but we have him to thank for the life of our daughter. Our pediatrician was on vacation when we called her number at 3 am regarding a fever in our 6 week old. Her message directed us to call Dr. Cumming, which I did with a bit of trepidation at waking anyone at 3 am. His response was calm and gracious. After a few moments' questioning, he calmly asked us to meet him at the emergency room. When others had difficulty doing a spinal tap on such a tiny baby, Dr. Cumming calmly did it. He immediately diagnosed sepsis and we began two weeks in the hospital with several antibiotics, one of which thankfully worked. It has been 26 years, and we are all so thankful to him. What a wonderful, generous doctor, husband, father, brother and colleague he was. May God comfort you all.
Tom Emmick
October 18, 2019
Donna and I send our condolences to you, Susie, and the rest of your family. It was so sad to hear of Jim's passing last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Jim as a great student, a super basketball player, and a tremendous pediatrician for our son Ty. Additionally, I will never forget that Jim along with another physician from Riley were responsible for saving the life of my friend and mentor at Lilly, Earl Herr, at a Riley Board Meeting.
Anat Ashkenazi
October 18, 2019
Dr Cumming was my children's pediatrician for over 10 years. He was one of the kindest gentlest person I have ever met, and I will cherish his care forever. He will always have a special place in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.
Josie Soots
October 17, 2019
Dr. Cummings was my childrens pediatrician years ago. Love that man! You will be greatly missed. My condolences to the family.
Jennifer Page
October 17, 2019
Dr. Cumming was our pediatrician from 1996 to 2003 while my husband was a med student and resident at IU. He cared for our first three sons - interestingly they are all now Wabash men. Dr. Cumming was always patient and kind and gave me confidence when I was a new mom. He was such a gentleman and went above and beyond to provide excellent care for his patients and their families. I pray he is resting comfortably now and enjoying the rewards of a life well lived.
Lynne King
October 17, 2019
Wonderful Doctor and a sweet
kind man. He was my childrens doctor years ago. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Pearce
October 17, 2019
As a young Intern at Methodist Hospital some 40 years ago, I looked up to Dr.Cumming as one of my first and greatest mentors. Equally important with Susie he demonstrated how to live a full wonderful life in the service of others. I will continue to aspire to live a life that will make him proud.
Stacey Dye
October 17, 2019
It was truly a pleasure to care for Dr. Cumming and to get to know your family. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Jeff and Diana Larson
October 16, 2019
What a wonderful man! Dr. Cumming took care of our three children in the 80s and 90s. Such a calm, kind, practical and caring physician. He once even called us at home to ask how our son was doing following an office visit! We were very impressed with his level of commitment and caring. We were so saddened to learn of his passing. Our sympathies to his family.
JoAnn Lichtenberg
October 16, 2019
The BEST pediatrician ever!!! I was soooo sad to hear of his passing...what a wonderful man...WE though were the ones who profited from his wisdom, guidance, and direction as new parents we tried to do the best we could for our children. I particularly remember with gratitude his use of the 7AM call-line which afforded us all the opportunity to have his guidance close at hand...he will sorely be missed and may he rest in peace, confident in the knowledge he served so well during his time here on earth...thank you Dr. Cumming...you were indeed a blessing in our lives....JoAnn and Jack (and Leo & Jackie) Lichtenberg :)
Ann and Byron Steele
October 16, 2019
Dear Alec,
We are so sorry for your loss. I know he was a great brother.
Dixie Caldwell
October 14, 2019
Dr. Jim cared for all 4 of our children and several grandkids. He was so loved and made them all feel special. When I notified our 36 year old son who is in Mexico City that Dr. Jim had passed, his response was "Oh, that really sad. He was a wonderful man!" That says it all! Our prayers are with you all.
Audrey Sheek
October 14, 2019
My family and I are heartbroken to learn of Dr. Cumming's passing. Dr. Cumming was truly the very best physician - there is no one that will ever compare to him. He was gentle, kind, calming, and incredibly knowledgeable. We celebrate his life and reflect on everything he has done for our family! Thank you for everything Dr. Cumming! You leave such an amazing legacy!
Megan Tucker
October 14, 2019
He will be missed and was an amazing provider for a patient and fellow provider's perspective. A donation has been made to the Dr. James R. Cumming Fund in Excellence for Maternal Fetal Medicine at Riley Children's Foundation as requested.
Casey Lewis
October 14, 2019
We are so saddened to learn of Dr. Cumming's passing. He was my childhood pediatrician and my children were blessed to have him as their pediatrician as well. He was the most compassionate, gentle and gifted doctor. We will miss our conversations with him about IU basketball. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Karla Katterhenry
October 14, 2019
We are so sorry to learn of Dr. Cumming's passing! Way back in June, 1977, Dr. Cumming correctly diagnosed our 3 year old son, Kurt, with bacterial spinal meningitis. Kurt was comatose when we took him to the ER and was near death, but Dr. Cumming saved his life and gave him excellent care for the 17 days he was hospitalized. Kurt had no side effects from the meningitis, grew up to graduate from Purdue, and now owns a successful lawn care business. At his very young age, Kurt always referred to Dr. Cumming as "Dr. Coming Back!" Our love and sympathy to Dr. Cumming's family and loved ones! Blessings, Jim and Karla Katterhenry
October 14, 2019
Our family is so very sorry to hear of Dr. Cumming's death. He had such a presence--a gentle, steady soul who imparted his impeccable medical skills with aplomb, good humor and considerable patience. We'll never forget his warm smiles, easy laugh and those twinkling eyes. Truly a loss for so many. Our thoughts are with his family.
Molly, Jeff, Billy and Louie Cooke
Carmel, Indiana
Ed Voris
October 14, 2019
Dear Alec and Family: So sorry to hear of your loss.
Jim was a great friend growing up in Bedford. We
shared many moments together in classrooms, on the basketball court and just hanging out. We didn't see much of each other after high school but I was able to stay in touch and take vicarious pleasure in his many accomplishments through his wonderful parents. Ed Voris
Tom Beeler
October 13, 2019
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Cumming's passing today - ironic, as we'd just driven past the house on Illinois Street the Cummings owned when they moved into our and Dr. John Scott's neighborhood.
Great memories of young sons John and Jim, and enormous envy of Dr. Cumming's red 1969 Porsche 911S, triggering my lifelong love of those cars.
Dr. Cumming and his family are well-remembered. Our prayers go out to his family.
Christy Harper
October 13, 2019
My daughter and I are so saddened to hear this. He took great care of my daughter and she only trusted him. He was the gentle giant in my daughter's eyes. I, too, leaned on him and he helped me get through some rough patches. We will always remember him. We are so sorry for your loss....
Verlyn Wilson
October 13, 2019
What an icon in the medical community! Such an incredible clinician, intelligent, wise, kind, and, had an unsurpassed bedside manner! He was a Great communicator, and , able to explain difficult medical issues in a compassionate, yet honest way. He was a support system that took into account not only the physical issues of the patient, but also the psychological & emotional needs of the patient and family! What a gem! He took care of our 3 children in the 70's & 80's always was calm and so comforting! He not only was the kids' dr, but also was a friend, neighbor, and widely respected in the medical community! We will miss you!! May gods peace comfort you , Susie, and all your family during this difficult time! Hugs... Verlyn Wilson
Stephanie Bode
October 13, 2019
Dr. Cumming was a gentle and supportive pediatrician. He was my doctor from early childhood through my late teens. I remember his broad smile and chewing gum being pulled from his desk.
Ned & Martha Lamkin
October 13, 2019
Dear Susie and family,
We were very sad to learn of Jim's illness and passing. He was a wonderful, reassuring voice of support for us as parents, and his smile lit up every room he entered!
We send love to you all at this tender time of loss and remembrance.
Mike and Helen Adams
October 13, 2019
We so appreciated Dr. Cumming's gentle and loving care of our daughter! He was always helpful and kind. We will forever remember him as a gifted physician, a gentleman, and gentle giant with twinkling eyes and a jovial grin.
Stuart and Ginny Hart
October 13, 2019
Dr Cumming was an amazing physician and such a gentle soul. We were so fortunate to be a part of his decades of medical practice. Our condolences to his family...
Hamid Sayar
October 13, 2019
He was a strong and wise man, and will be remembered. Wishing peace to the family.
Hamid Sayar
October 13, 2019
He was a strong and wise man, and will be remembered. Wishing peace to the family.
Hamid Sayar
October 13, 2019
He was a strong and wise man, and will be remembered. Wishing peace to the family.
Natalie Morgan Best
October 13, 2019
The sweetest, most gentle doctor. Rest In Peace.
Gerald Carrier
October 13, 2019
Jim is remember fondly by his friends and classmates at Bedford High, not only for his basketball prowess and natural leadership, but for his joyful grin that could light up a room.
Laura Spearman
October 13, 2019
I feel very lucky to have worked with Dr. Cummings at St. Vincent Carmel Mother Baby. Dr. Cummings was not only a great, compassionate physician but he was a quintessential gentleman. I feel very fortunate to have worked with him and I enjoyed talking basketball with him sharing stories of my daughter and my nephew playing at West Point. My condolences to the family.
October 12, 2019
The Znachko Family is so very thankful for the 20+ years we were served by the gentle hand of Dr. Cumming. My 4 children were given excellent care by him and his amazing nursing staff. I learned so much from him about how to raise my children healthily and with grace. I was most grateful for his faithfulness to his early morning phone time. He gave the gift of time to me for so many years. Blessings to his family, my prayers are with you.
Linda Znachko
Evan Lehman MD
October 12, 2019
My sympathy to the family. I enjoyed knowing Jim professionally for many years.
April and Stan Glenn
October 12, 2019
Jim was a childhood friend as was Alec and Sylvia and George. Our hearts hurt of the news of Jim's passing. He was a kind and gracious friend.
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