Jackie "Cooter" L. Cummings

Jack was born on August 17, 1945, in New Berlin, the son of Lloyd and Bessie (Davenport) Cummings. He married Cheryl McCray on December 24, 1965.

Jack graduated from New Berlin High School and entered the U.S. Army in 1965 and served at many locations around the world. After Jack’s service with the Army ended, he worked for Hermes Chevrolet in New Berlin and then for Fiat Allis until they closed in the early 1980’s. Jack then became employed with the Illinois Army National Guard and retired after 26 years of service. He started as a driver and mechanic, then ultimately progressed to logistics during his time in the National Guard. Jack was deployed to Iraq in 2004 and returned in 2005. During his time in the Army and Army National Guard, Jack received numerous ribbons and medals including: Illinois Military Attendance Ribbon x4, Illinois Long and Honorable x4, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Reserves Components Overseas Trainer Ribbon, NCO Professional Development Ribbon x3, Army Commendation Medal x4, Army Achievement Medal x5, Good Conduct – Army x3, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal x2, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x2, Mechanics Badge, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Mobilized) Drivers Badge, Distinguished Service Medal, and the Military Order of Saint Martin Award. He worked several years at Sulphur Springs and Campbell Cemeteries in Loami. Jack volunteered with the Loami Fire Department, having served as past chief. He enjoyed snow skiing, dirt car races, polka dancing, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Sharon, John, and Charlie; brother-in-law, Kurtie; and sister-in-law, Kathi.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl “Suz” Cummings of Loami; daughter, Rhonda (Clint) Johnsey of New Berlin; brothers, Ron (Macie) Cummings of Mechanicsburg, and William Cummings of Loami; sister, Janet (Lenny) Chaudoin of New Berlin; brother-in-law, Albert “Bud” Hermes of Waverly, and Jim “Cray” (Marge) McCray of Loami; sister-in-law, Mary Cummings of Springfield; good friend, Eddie Phillips; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 20, 2021, at Sulphur Springs Cemetery in Loami, with Pastor Charlie Duggins officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Department of Defense and the Illinois Army National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Loami Fire Department, P.O. Box 60, Loami, IL 62661.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Chatham, 8855 State Rte. 4, Chatham.