James L. Cummings Jr.

James Leslie Cummings, Jr., age 93, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2015. He was born in Bienville, Louisiana, on September 12, 1922, to Ollie and James Leslie Cummings, Sr. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Bossier City, LA. Jim graduated from Bossier High School and enrolled at Louisiana Tech in Ruston, LA. At the outbreak of World War II, he joined the Army Air Corps and became a pilot of a B25 Bomber. After the war ended, he returned home and decided to enroll at LSU and study geology, graduating in 1948.

Upon graduation, he married the love of his life, Ida Fuller. He became chief geologist for Arkansas/Louisiana Gas Co. in Shreveport, LA. In 1959, he became an independent geologist and moved to Jackson. Jim founded Credo Oil Co. and was involved in the formation of several other oil companies. He was instrumental in the discovery of oil and gas fields in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas. He truly enjoyed his business for over 60 years.

Jim and Ida were long standing members of First Presbyterian Church, where he was very involved in the Brotherhood Sunday School Class. He loved the outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, or playing golf. He spent many weekends at “the lake” with his children and grandchildren teaching them how to fish – that’s what he loved the most.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ida Fuller Cummings. He is survived by his daughters, Helaine Maley (Thomas) and Karen Burwell (John); his grandsons, Brad Maley (Olivia), Collin Maley (Stephanie), Cameron Burwell, and Taylor Burwell (Robin); his six great-grandchildren, Homes and Hart Maley, Braden and Deacon Burwell, and Brennan and Clayton Maley; his two sisters-in-law, Lorene Marrero of Ridgeland, and Virginia Johnson of Haughton, LA; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would especially like to thank Mrs. Ann Hall, his longtime assistant and close friend for many years; Victor Smith, director of the Blake in Ridgeland, and all who helped to make his years there a wonderful experience. We would also like to thank Mittie Eggerson and Kim Palmer for their love and special care.

Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2015. There will be a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Alzheimer’s Assoc., Miss. Chapter, 196 Charmant Place, Suite 4, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or Webster Animal Shelter, 525 Post Oak Rd, Madison, MS 39110.