Jimmie A. Cumbie, 68, died at his residence on Wednesday, October 6, 2010.
Jimmie was born in Mobile, AL on October 4, 1942, the son of the late Herschel and Irene (nee: Brinkley) Cumbie. On June 22, 1963 he married the former Nanette Alice Brown in San Leandro, CA.
Jim was a kind and compassionate man who drew everyone he knew to him. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he lived most of his adult life in Racine, with 10 years in Sanford, North Carolina. Jim always felt closest to God when he was helping people; and his activities on behalf of family, friends, and people in need were an extension of his Christian faith. He was a very active member at a number of local congregations, including the Prayer House in Kenosha, and comforted the elderly and infirm by sharing prayer and fellowship with them. He learned American Sign Language to communicate with the deaf, and went to Mexico to help build churches for impoverished communities. There are also scores of local households where his handiwork contributed to making a house a home. From haircuts to car repairs, Jim was keenly motivated to help others live in peace and ease.
Jim was extremely capable and applied his many mechanical and logic skills to fixing nearly everything. Before he retired, he had worked at JRS Distribution for 7 years in maintenance and enjoyed finding ways to improve the workplace through his job tasks. He also loved traveling to visit family up north and down south, going fishing, and tending a big garden. He took pleasure in writing and studying the Bible. Jim was most happy at home in the summer sun relaxing in the backyard with those closest to him.
Jim was a strong man with many skills, but he was best at mending broken hearts. He had a good word and a prayer for everyone, especially for those with special burdens. Jim was a cherished and loving husband, a remarkable father, a gentle brother and uncle, and an affectionate grandfather. While the loss to his family is overwhelming, his legacy of love, generosity and kindness will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.
In addition to his loving wife, Nanette of Racine, his survivors include his children, Patricia (Sean Doyle) Cumbie of Minneapolis, MN., Jimmie (Hanna Dworkin) Cumbie of Chicago, Peggy (Gregg) Creuziger, Elizabeth (Aaron) LaForge both of Racine; grandchildren, Megan, Matthew, Leo and Genevieve; sisters, Johnnie Lee (Owen) Johnston of Mobile, AL, Joyce Trent of Crossville, TN; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Jimmie was preceded in death by his brothers, Dean, Jerry and Bernie Cumbie.
Family and Friends are invited to meet at the Prayer Assembly House of God (1525 24th Ave. in Kenosha) on Monday, October 11, 2010 at noon for the celebration of Jimmie’s life and funeral with Pastor Ron Auch officiating. There will be a visitation in the church on Monday from 10 a.m. until noon. His interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers.
Donna Johnston says
Jimmy was my uncle by marriage, and even though we didn’t see much of each other over the years, he will forever be a very special person in my mind and heart. He was a very compassinate, caring, funny man and he will be so missed by those who knew and loved him.