Jimmy Don Cummings

Sergeant Major Jimmy Don Cummings, age 66, of Rison, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 28, 2025.

He was born October 16, 1958 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Elmer Cummings and Inez Smith Cummings. He was raised in Cleveland County, graduating from Rison High School in 1977. On July 22,1977, he swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States to which he upheld for the remainder of his natural life.

On January 10, 1978, he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to earn the title of United States Marine. Over the course of the next 31 years, he deployed in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, and other locations worldwide. He would eventually retire on November 30, 2008, as the Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Following the Marine Corps, he continued a tradition of service to the people of Cleveland County. He held public office positions including the Cleveland County/Circuit Clerk for two terms and most recently the Cleveland County Judge. He also volunteered his time as the Y-212 Fire Chief, served as a Water Board Member, and was Chairman of the Cleveland County Republican Party.

He was a devoted member of Rison Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, cheering on the Rison Wildcats, and spending time with his community. Above all, he loved his family and was never afraid to remind them how proud they made him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Gene Cummings, Robert Cummings, Raymond Cummings, and Andy Cummings. 

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jacqueline Cummings; children: Casie Jackson (Trent), Amber Kay Cummings, Robert Cummings, and Lauren Carden (Jack); grandchildren: Regan Butcher (Jacob), Evan Raymick (Sunny), Melody Raymick, Clayton Jackson, Nick Davis, and Wren Carden; great-grandchildren: Kinley Grace Raymick and Baby Girl Butcher expected to arrive in January 2026; and siblings: Shirley Smetak, Barbara Beverlin, Kenneth Cummings (Marie), Johnny Cummings, Mary Vallance (David), and Bob Cummings.

Visitation will be held at Rison Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 2 at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Randolph Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Clifton Cummings, Tony Cummings, Wayne Cummings, Joseph Smith, Daniel Vallance, and Russell Vallance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor may be made to Rison Baptist Church or the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.