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John James Cummings, Sr., who was a noted civic, cultural, and corporate executive died on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 surrounded by his family. A longtime resident of Albuquerque, Mr. Cummings was born in Topeka, KS to John Edward and Mary J. Cummings. As a young boy, he lived in Blaine, KS, attending St. Columbkille's grade school and Blaine Rural High School. Mr. Cummings attended Rockhurst College, graduated from Kansas State University and did his graduate work at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS. In 1962, he married his wife of 42 years, Betty Lee Mackey. After graduate school he joined the management training program of New York Life where he held various management assignments in Wichita, KS; Denver, CO; and Midland, TX. In 1973, he obtained his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) and was appointed General Manager of the New Mexico General Office in Albuquerque, which began his long residence and identification with the city. With a motivating and charismatic style, he helped develop so many successful agents in New Mexico that he was asked to move to Los Angeles, CA in 1985 to effect and manage the consolidation of several New York Life agencies. Under his direction and guidance, it grew into the largest single life insurance office in the United States and one of the largest revenue producing offices in the New York Life organization. In 1989, Mr. Cummings retired from the company. At that time, and subsequently, he was recognized as one of the finest and most dynamic managers the company ever had. His sincere belief in each and every person that he hired and managed was instrumental in his success. He and Betty returned to their friends and family in Albuquerque to make their permanent home. Mr. Cummings and his wife were active in the social and cultural life in the communities in which they lived. He was elected President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Wichita, KS. He coached in the Mile High Little League and the AYBL. He served as President of Wilshire Rotary Club in Los Angeles. In Albuquerque, he was on the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation and the Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and was nationally recognized by the Serra Club. He was also active in the Lobo Club and held a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Cummings is survived by his wife, Betty; and three sons, John Cummings and his wife, Ruth, of Albuquerque, Kevin Cummings and his wife, Cindy, of Albuquerque, Timothy Cummings and his wife, Jane, of Colorado Springs, CO; and his daughter, Cindy O'Connell of Dodge City, KS. He leaves ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who will miss their "Poppo." He is also survived by his mother, Mary J. Cummings, of Blaine, KS; and siblings, Richard Cummings of Wichita, KS, Bill Cummings of Wichita, KS, Maurice Cummings of Hutchinson, KS, Connie Williams of McKinney, TX, and Tom Cummings of Blaine, KS. The body will rest at Sunrise Funeral Home, 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. A Rosary will be prayed on Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Internment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 7999 Wyoming Blvd. NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions my be made in his name to: Right to Life of New Mexico, 2800 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 87110, (505)881-4563 or American Cancer Society, 5800 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, 87110, (505)260-2105. Sunrise Funeral Options 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010
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