Jeffrey Alan Cummings Sr.

Jeff was born August 25, 1948 in Paterson, New Jersey to George and Nelda Cummings. He moved with his family to the Beaches in 1953 and attended all Beach schools, graduating from Fletcher in 1966 and Jacksonville University in 1971. Following graduation he went to work for the Department of Corrections, Parole and Probation Department in October, 1971, and would have remained until his retirement on May 31, 2010. He was dedicated to his work and co-workers who were cherished friends. Throughout his illness, his co-workers were extended family.

Jeff married Holly (Helen Van Dyke) December 27, 1971, and they were blessed later on with the birth of two sons, Jeffrey Alan, Jr., and Jonas Holbrook Cummings, of whom he was exceedingly proud and who also adored their father.

He is survived by his wife and sons, and also by his father George Cummings, brother George (Karen) Cummings and sister Nelda (Scott) Ogden, sister-in-law Lyn (Rick) Johnson, brother-in-law Cliff (Lana) Van Dyke, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his mother Nelda Barker Cummings in 2007.

Jeff’s Christian faith was a great source of comfort, and we wish to thank Father William Kelly, Ron and Maureen Masters, and Betty Moye for the family’s instruction, initiation, and growth in the Catholic faith. They joined the Catholic Church at Easter in April, 1999.

The family also wishes to thank McGraw Hill Community Hospice, Dr. Thomas Gaddis and Michelle Krawcyz and their entire office staff and the staff of Beaches Baptist Hospital for their gifts of healing, comfort, and compassion.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Jacksonville Beach, with Father William A. Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in H. Warren Smith Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beaches Hematology Oncology Associates (1375 Roberts Dr., Ste. 103, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250) to assist other cancer patients, or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society (224 North 5th Street, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250).

Jeff, we love you so much and until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.