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Michael J. Cummings

1945 - 2022

Michael J. Cummings obituary, 1945-2022, Virginia Beach, VA

BORN

1945

DIED

2022

Michael Cummings Obituary

Michael J. Cummings was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 10, 1945. Mike passed away on March 9, 2022, with his family by his side at his home in Virginia Beach, VA.

The first of four children born to a career Marine infantry officer, Mike grew up on military bases from Panama to Hawaii, from California to Virginia, before entering the U.S. Naval Academy in July 1964. Proudly following in his father's footsteps, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps upon graduation with the highly esteemed class of 1968.

Mike served as an infantry operations officer and platoon commander with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in Vietnam until he was medically evacuated for wounds received in action. After recovering from nearly fatal injuries, Mike married Martha Harvey Wilbourne at the Naval Academy Chapel on June 5, 1971. They were blessed with three sons and a daughter during their Marine Corps career, which included assignments as an infantry company commander, aide-de-camp, tactics and weapons instructor, and staff platoon commander prior to graduating with a J.D. degree from William and Mary in 1978. As a Marine Judge Advocate, Mike served as trial counsel, military judge, and Chief of the Military Law Branch at HQMC. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Navy Commendation Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Citation, and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbons.

After retiring as a Lt. Col. in July 1990, Mike was appointed a Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney in Virginia Beach and a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, where he successfully prosecuted numerous major drug and violent crime cases from July 1990 to July 1994 with the Special Investigative Division and FBI, DEA, and ATF federal strike forces.

In July 1994, Mike was appointed a U.S. Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Health and Human Services where he spent the rest of his legal career adjudicating Medicare and Social Security cases.

Mike was deeply devoted to his family - as a loving husband and shamelessly proud father. Outside of his long workdays, he filled every moment pitching batting practice, timing at swim meets, cheering at high school football games, driving to horse events around the tidewater region, helping the church's youth group, and captaining (mostly fishless) fishing trips. He enjoyed golf and later caught pickleball fever with Martha. He loved to travel and never missed a Flying J hot dog, donuts with the grandkids, or a Virginia Tech or Navy football or basketball game (Go Hokies! Go Navy, beat Army!)

Mike will be dearly missed by the family and friends he loved so much and by the country he served. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Martha; children, (Chris, Nick, James, and Lauren, and their spouses, Donna, Emma, Jane and Shawn); nine grandchildren, (Colby, Hudson, Jack, Lucy, Phoebe, Lyla, Rome, James and Will); sister, Kathy; and two brothers, Pat and Dan; and countless friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations may be made to Ukrainian relief efforts or to Virginia Beach United Methodist Church charity programs. Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Semper Fi

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Mar. 20, 2022.

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Thomas Parker, USNA '68

May 4, 2022

I knew Mike and I am so very saddened to learn of his passing. As one of many classmates who knew and respected Mike, you have my most sincere sympathy for your loss.

Thomas Parker, USNA '68

Thomas Parker
32nd Company

Thomas Parker

May 4, 2022

I knew Mike. He was an outstanding classmate. I was in the in the class of "68, 32nd company. I wanted to go Corps, but a car accident (with Ollie North) plebe year ended my soccer career, allowed me to turn back into the class of 68 and go Supply Corps, instead. You have my sincere sympathy at Mike's passing.

Tom Parker '68,

Jim Stiehl

April 26, 2022

My condolences on your loss of Mike, my USMC Basic School classmate and brother-in-arms. His wings were ready, but your hearts were not. May he rest in peace. Semper Fidelis.

Chuck Lohman, USMC (Ret)

March 24, 2022

Classmate of Mike´s at USNA and Basic School. Served with him as an Infantry Officer in Vietnam. You will be remembered and honored always. Semper Fi!

Ross T Petersen

March 23, 2022

Martha and family, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of Michael...a great guy. May he live forever in your hearts and memories. Semper Fidelis

John Heilig

March 22, 2022

SF, Mike. RIP,my friend. Get the perimeter set. We´ll all see you soon.

Jack Cate

March 21, 2022

My sincerest condolences and prayers to you, Martha, and your family. Mike was part of the brotherhood and a friend. S/F

Maurice May

March 21, 2022

Nothing but respect for the man and his service.

Kathy Cummings Curran

March 20, 2022

Mike's was a life well-lived. His passing took us by surprise....gone too soon. He leaves behind a legacy of love and commitment to his values. Mike will be missed by all who loved him. Rest in the arms of God and the angels, Brother.

Gordon Peterson

March 20, 2022

Rest in peace, Mike, and may peace be with your loving family.

Jim Liedman, HMCM, USN, Ret

March 20, 2022

I didn't know Mike, but when I read his obituary I saw that we had several things in common. I was also born in Chicago in June, 1945 and was in 3rd Battalion 5th Marines in Vietnam from February through August, 1968. I was a corpsman in Kilo Company and spent some time with Mike Company during that time. After that, I was in Golf Battery, 3/11 until coming home in February, 1969. I currently reside in Chesapeake, VA.

I don't know that our paths ever crossed but it is possible that they did.

I'm sorry for your loss and wish God's blessings and peace for you family.

Elizabeth Rose Shiroishi and family

March 20, 2022

So sorry to hear about Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with Martha and the entire Cummings family.

Robert W. Sidner Jr (USNA '68)

March 20, 2022

I was saddened to learn of Mike's passing. Even more to realize that your family resided in Va. Bch. We have resided in Kempsville for 43 years and yet we never knew that your family was so close. Martha, I truly wish we had learned of yours and Mike's presence. We hope that your wonderful and many memories will comfort you.

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