Worcester: James Acker Cummings, 82, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at River Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family, following a period of declining health.
James was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Donna A (Wait) Cummings (10/2023) who was the love of his life. He leaves a daughter, Jennifer Cummings Carbonneau & her husband Russell Carbonneau of Worcester; a son Brian Cummings & his wife Julie Cummings of Millbury; 4 grandchildren: Dr. Kristina (Cummings) Murray & her husband Dr. Nicholas Murray of Brookfield, Rosalie Powers, Noah Cummings, Alyssa Cummings, all of Millbury; a great-granddaughter Raegan Murray; his brother, John J Cummings of Watertown, CT, sister-in-law, Lynda (Wait) Peavey of Webster, brother-in-law Doug Wait & his wife Pearl Wait of Scotia, New York, brother-in-law Rev. Gary Wait, Hartford, CT, and 3 nephews. He was predeceased by son Howard James Cummings in 1997.
Jim was born in Hudson Falls, NY, son of the late William and Alice (Acker) Cummings. He graduated from Watertown High School and completed his B.S. at Union College, NY, majoring in Psychology & Chemistry. Jim also received his Masters of Arts from the New School of Social Research and Graduate Faculty of Political and Social Science in New York state in 1971.
Jim was assigned to Officer Training School in the United States Air Force in Texas and proudly served his country as a First Lieutenant and Captain, stationed in South Dakota, where he also developed and implemented the first U.S. Air Force Race Relations classes under his leadership in the mid-west. Among many duties and notable recognitions, Jim also served as a Missile Combat Crew Instructor while serving in South Korea during the Vietnam war era.
Moving to Worcester, MA in the early 70’s, Jim became a Systems Analyst for Hanover Insurance Company for many years, later following his true calling providing career training for several years at U-Mass Medical School and Salter College in Massachusetts until his retirement.
Jim was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader for many years, a Master Mason of the Freemasons, and was very active in Epworth United Methodist Church, where he co-led the youth group with his wife for many years, served with the Men’s group and Finance Committee, led bible study groups, played in the bell choir, and sang with the church choir for over 50 years. Jim enjoyed gymnastics as a young man, music of all genres, camping with family in Oakham, MA, and was even caught tap dancing on occasion with his daughter and grand-daughter over the years. He enjoyed aviation, computers, spending time in his garden, building things around the house, and he cherished spending time with family. Oh, and COOKIES! Jim loved cookies, ketchup, and roller coasters, in that order!
Jim mentored students of all ages and loved to learn new things. He was an avid reader and truly enjoyed creating clever and fun ways to teach and learn. He was known for his unconditional love, his quiet generosity, his tender approach, his empathetic spirit, his true joy for life itself, and his genuine laughter that he shared so freely. He believed in service to others, was a results-oriented problem solver, a born-leader, and had a smile that lit up every room. He worked hard and did not take things for granted. He was truly a blessing to all who knew him.
Jim’s family would like to express their gratitude and sincere thanks to his “extended family” and friends at Eisenberg Assisted Living in Worcester for caring for him in his “new home”, where he lived, thrived, loved, and was loved very much over the last two and a half years prior to his passing. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the amazing team at River Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Lancaster for their incredible work, rehabilitation, and wonderful care for Jim over the past couple of months.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, from 11:00a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life at 12:30p.m. at Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to Epworth United Methodist Church, 64 Salisbury Street, Worcester. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click guestbook link.