James "Jim" Cummings

James Jim Arthur Cummings, 73, of Great Falls, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 of natural causes having battled Parkinsons disease the past 3 years.Jim was born June 1, 1942 in Great Falls, Montana to C.H. Pete and Isabel Travis Cummings. He grew up in Great Falls attending Russell Elementary, West Junior High, and graduated from Great Falls High in 1960. He continued his education at Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating with a BA in Civil Engineering in 1964.Jim played football and wrestled while in high school. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. While at MSC, Jim met and married Sandra Cattrell on June 12, 1964 upon graduation. Jim started his professional career with the Washington State Department of Highway Systems. They spent four years in Washington, upon returning to Great Falls where Jim went to work for Thomas, Dean and Hoskins in 1968. Jim became a partner in 1971, and was on the board of directors from 1971 to 2002. Jim spent 34 years with TD & H, retiring in June of 2002 as CEO. Jim earned his Professional Engineering license in 1968. He was an active member of the American Society of Engineers and member/past president of Consulting Engineers of Montana.Jim was a respected professional, both as an engineer and a civic leader. He was an active and involved community volunteer. He shared his values and strong work ethic with all those he encountered. Jim was a past Bobcat Booster Club President, Bobcat QB Club member, life member of the Alumni Association at Montana State University, lifetime member and past president of Uptown Optimist, served as chairman for Military Affairs, Benefis board member, chairman from 2005-2007, treasurer and member of Round Lot Investment Club, Leadership Great Falls, City Planning Board, Bethel Lutheran Church Council member and volunteer of FISH. Jims character and integrity was displayed throughout his life.Jim and his wife Sandi, loved, supported and watched their children and grandchildren over the years in all of their extracurricular activities. Jim loved to ski and was a member of the Ski Bums. He participated in many trips over the years. The Ski Bums were known near and far by their signature red hats with the yellow ball on top!He was a member of the Meadow Lark Country Club. Golfing was a favorite past time of Jims, his only career ace was earned on June 23, 2010. When not skiing or golfing, Jim could be found betting the nags. He had a passion for horse racing, purchasing his first thoroughbred in 1979. Jim enjoyed skiing, golfing and horse racing throughout his life.Jim cared deeply for his wife, children, grandchildren and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sandi Cummings of Great Falls; daughter Stacey (Tim) Hanrahan, their children Quinlan and Norah of Richland, WA; daughter Stephanie Cummings, her children Ashton and Haydn of Great Falls; father Pete Cummings of Sun River; father in-law Roy Cattrell of Bozeman; brother Rick (Jeannie) Cummings of Great Falls; brother in-law Dave (Stacy) Cattrell of Bozeman; and many other loving family members. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.He was preceded in death by his mother, Isabel and his mother in law, Maxine Cattrell.Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Great Falls with Pastor Steve VanGilder officiating, reception to follow. Private family burial will follow the reception at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church, Benefis Health Systems Foundation or donors choice.