James M. Cummings

Dr. James Michael Cummings, Vietnam War Army Veteran, age 79, passed away at home on November 21st, 2022. Beloved son of the late Florence Cummings (nee Scheid) and Harry Cummings, Jr; cherished nephew of Bernardine Scheid and many uncles and aunts who are now deceased; special first cousin to Elizabeth, Theresa (Balamuta), William, Robert, and Suzanne Scheid and their families; and fond cousin to many others.

Jim grew up surrounded by relatives living in three adjacent houses, across the street from Harper Highschool in Chicago, thus receiving much advice during his formative years. His mother and Uncle Bill especially stressed the value of top academic achievement. He attended O’Toole Elementary School and received the American Legion Award upon graduation in 1957. Attending Harper Highschool, he sang tenor in Mixed Chorus, was on the cross-country team, lettered in varsity basketball, was in the National Honor Society, and made the Legion of Honor all four years.

In 1961 he attended St. Joseph’s College but completed his last three undergraduate years in pre-med at the University of Illinois, Urbana, graduating in 1964. In 1968, Jim graduated Cum Laude with a Medical Degree from Loyola’s Stritch School of Medicine, where he was made a member of the Pre-Clinical Honors Society and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He served one year as an intern at Cook County Hospital before being drafted.

From 1969-1971, Jim served as a Captain in Vietnam as a General Medical Officer, tending to soldiers and civilians alike. Upon his return, Jim completed his residency at the University of Kansas Truman Medical Center and became certified in internal medicine in 1975. He went on to become a certified Cardiologist in 1977 and then served on the faculty at the University of Missouri, Kansas School of Medicine.

In 1979, Jim started work at the VA Westside Hospital (now called the Jesse Brown VA Hospital) in Chicago, where he spent the rest of career until retiring in 2013. He was the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab and initiated a cutting-edge angioplasty program. In parallel, Jim was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, Cardiology at the University of Illinois, Chicago. He was one of the few doctors in the country teaching fellow cardiologists and students how to insert the catheter into the heart. Jim was involved in major clinical research projects, taught many classes, gave many talks and presentations at conferences, and was a member of many scientific societies. His last accomplishment before retiring was to become a Certified Medical Review Officer in 2010.

Jim was devoted to his mother, who worked hard to support his journey to become a Cardiologist. In turn, Jim supported her, especially in her final years. Jim was a gifted academic, athlete, and musician (pianist). His reserved personality hid his wry sense of humor and razor-sharp wit to those who didn’t know him. His passionate side would emerge when cheering on his beloved Chicago Cubs, and the Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks; each of them delivering at least one championship in Jim’s lifetime. In later years, Jim was a welcome participant in all holiday and life events with his Uncle Bill’s family. He had a penchant for surprising his cousins with unique and quirky gifts, who would return the favor. He was held in awe by their children when he’d show up on Christmas day with literally a sack of toys for each child. The ensuing joyful cacophony delighted him. Jim was a voracious reader and critical thinker and many a stimulating conversation was had at family get-togethers. We’ll all miss you, Jim.

By request, there will be no in-person service or funeral. At a later date, he will be interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

arrangements were entrusted to the KERRY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CARE CENTER, Palos Heigths.

www.kerryfh.com ~ (708) 361.4235 ~ www.facebook.com/kerryfuneral