Joseph B. Cumming

Joe, I still think about the impact you had on my education and my career. Your book Bylines about your illustrious career and life is so incredible. You were such a literary genius. I'm thinking about your method of teaching and how unique and creative it was and I'm so glad I was your student at the time and got to witness it. You are missed but your writing lives on not only in the book but in the world from the many stories you published. I know you and Emily are dancing and playing piano, having a great time with friends.

His family and the Dimon family were connected since the early years in Atlanta; he covered my first solo show in Atlanta GA for Newsweek "TALKING HEADS" Tuhti´s portraits. Later fun times when he and Emily would visit us in New York. Wonderful and creative - a force for what is imaginative and expansive. Blessings Joe, and love, Roz

So hard to believe it's been this long since you left us. I still think about you and treasure what you taught me as well as your other students. I brag about you when I talk about your influence on my career. Sometimes when I'm submitting an article, like yesterday, I can hear your voice in my head reminding me about some tip or tips you gave me to improve my writing. I'll always be thankful for that.

I'll never forget Professor Cumming. May his family and friends know his tremendous impact and be comforted in some small way. Love to you all.

Still think about you Joe and published another column about you. I wish the current students at UWG could experience your teaching.

I was one of Dr. Cumming's students at West Georgia College (now UWG). He was an extraordinary teacher and human being. I'm sad that he is no longer with us. I'd like his family to know that he made a difference in the lives of many of his students (like me). He Will never be forgotten.

His name evokes memories of many kinds. I admired him very much and feel gratitude for being able to attend his classes, be "elected" editor of The West Georgian (I was not able to attend the meeting but made it clear I didn´t want to be editor.), and shared his love of history. His ubiquitous charm and cheerfulness made him especially endearing. He was unique in a most positive way.

I just found out this such sad news. Joe was my journalism professor at West Georgia College from 1984 to 1988 and served as The West Georgian Newspaper advisor where I was active during those years which were such fun and educational times. He inspired me in so many ways and launched my writing career. I stayed in touch with him and was so heartbroken when he lost his Emily. At least they're together there and their hearts are happy.

Our sympathies go out to the family of this awesome man. It has been a pleasure to know Joe & Emily here in Carrollton at St. Margarets Episcopal Church. They were so active & very much a part of the parish. Prayers for the family & friends.

Incredibly special friend.

The Willinghams are very sad to see this announcement. We've been sharing memories of Joe (and all the Cummings). Tate figures large, as do lively parties in Augusta with Cummings, Houstons, Emersons, Connolly's, and others. Bartow specifically recalls a dinner in Atlanta with Joe, Emily, Anne, Pat Conroy, and his wife. Pam and Anne were friends. We have many stories that our parents told us. We are proud to have known Joe. We wish you all strength and the warmth of good memories.

Please accept our condolences. He and my mother were childhood friends.

I knew Joe first from St. Margaret's Episcopal and then as a special friend. Joe Cumming was his own person and just a unique person. He was always so energetic and interested in everything and especially in people. So sad that Emily had to leave him behind because they were just a great couple; they each made each other whole. RIP Joe. I bet Emily is excited you finally got there.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We knew Joe and Emily from St Margaret’s Episcopal Church and also Community Theater.

So sorry to lose Joe but so glad to have known him. He was a wonderful, engaging, and exuberant man who shared his knowledge and insights with his students and friends. He and Emily are still remembered and greatly missed in our community.
I send my condolences to all the members of Joe's family.

I was a late in life addition to his classes at the University of West Georgia (formerly West Georgia College) in 1989. He was an amazing professor with very rigid ideas about how history influences current events. (1649, Charles the 1st) I was captivated by his energy and passion, and even enjoyed being conscripted somewhat emphatically to be the editor of The West Georgian for one quarter. He was always fun to talk with, and classes were always energetic and passionate. I admired his strong individualism which included his seersucker blue summer suit at church at Saint Margaret’s in Carrollton. It was a strong statement of his Southern identity. He exuded joy and was almost always jovial. His teaching left an indelible mark on my life. His memory will always be a blessing to my life. Never ask him anything preceded by his "name", Mr. Cummings." A short lecture was sure to follow about attention to detail! He made the world a better place for him being in it.

Joe Cumming was a great friend to my parents. I considered both Joe and Emily as friends to me as well. I enjoyed attending St. Margaret's with them, and seeing Joe wear a kilt on St Margaret's Day!