James R. Cummings

James R. Cummings                        

ELDRED, Pa.---James R. Cummings, 84, a lifelong resident of Eldred, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, N.Y.

Born on November 29, 1934 in Olean, he was the son of Vern and Florence Gaspar Cummings.  On August 1, 1964 in Shinglehouse, he married Gail M. Jandrew, who survives.

James was employed by Dresser-Rand in Olean, retiring as manager of marketing in 1994 after 42 years of service.

He was a life member of The Northern Star Lodge #555 F. & A.M.  An avid woodworker, James spent most of his retirement years pursuing this hobby.  He also was passionate about renovating a barn on his property. He had a great love of music and played the trumpet.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors.  For the past several years, he spent his winters in The Villages, Florida.

Surviving in addition to his wife, are two daughters and a son, Melissa L. Cummings of Chesapeake, Virginia, Rebecca A. (Scott) Brabon of Allegany, N.Y., and Bradley J. (Tonya) Cummings of Berea, Kentucky; three granddaughters, Jordan and Alexandra Brabon and Lillian Cummings; a brother, Allan (Julia) Cummings of Beavercreek, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a sister, Carol Ball.

Family and friends may call from 10 am to 11:30 am on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, where a celebration of his life will follow at 11:30 am.  The Rev. Preston L. Hutchins, Jr, pastor of the Shinglehouse United Methodist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery, Allegany, N.Y.

Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors following the celebration of life.

In lieu flowers, memorials may be made to Dresser-Rand Scholarship Program at Dresser Rand Local Employees Association, Attention: Cassie Dick, 500 Paul Clark Drive, Olean, NY 14760 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

James’ family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner, of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of James, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com