James Cummings

James W. Cummings, 66, of Bridgton peacefully passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, 2015 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was the beloved husband of Deborah (Thibodeau) Cummings. The couple celebrated their 22nd anniversary last month.

He was born in North Hampton, Mass. on March 23, 1949, son of William H. and Evelyn M. (Reim) Cummings. He graduated from Bellingham High School, and then went on to receive an associate’s degree in Certified Surgical Technology from St. Joseph’s College of Maine.

Jim spent 34 years at Maine Medical Center before retiring in 2004.  He was well liked by the doctors and was often told he excelled at his job. He received the Albert E. Dibbins Award for Teaching in 2004, an award typically given only to residents.

Jim was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in Vietnam from 1967 until 1972, earning the National Defense Service Medal. He achieved the rank of Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Plane Handler) Petty Officer 3rd Class, serving on the USS America CVA 66.

He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting, as well as collecting Red Sox baseball cards. He was loyal to New England sports teams, especially the Sox and the Patriots. He loved baseball; a passion he and his wife, Debbi, shared. It was not unusual to see a game on in their home. Jim’s love of the game was also shared with his children and grandchildren, and family gatherings often included Wiffle ball games and homerun derbies.

Besides his wife, Jim is survived by his children Shawn Cummings, Jennifer J. (Cummings) Dodd, Peter Richardson, Kelly Knight, Brian Richardson and Lauri Merrill; and 14 grandchildren; his brothers, Gary Cummings, Barry Cummings and Jeffrey Cummings; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim is predeceased by his sister, Debra Butler.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the Wilde Memorial Chapel at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Avenue, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: American Cancer Society, 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham, ME 04086 or VNA Hospice, 50 Foden Road, South Portland, ME 04106.