About Jim Cummings
by Pat Cummings
This morning, I woke up thinking about how none of what I have done, as far as writing and publishing, could have been accomplished without the encouragement and support of my husband, Jim. I have decided to tell you a little bit about him because he is such a special guy.
Loves Nature and Gardening
Jim was the oldest of six children, and in that role, he often had to watch out for his younger brothers and sister. Whenever he could, he got on his bike, took a fishing pole, and traveled miles outside of the downtown city area where he lived so that he could enjoy nature and have some “alone” time.
Jim Cummings walking near a vineyard in Neckarsulm, Germany, 1971
This was just the beginning of the manner in which he would live, in subsequent years. Today, he still enjoys nature, but instead of a fishing pole, he takes along a camera whenever walking in the woods or going into the garden.
Published Photographer
Jim's photos have been published in many issues of The Quilter magazine; all of Patricia Cummings' published books; Vintage Fabrics, a book by Joan Kiplinger; Needlearts magazine; the book, Quilting for Embroiderers, published in Australia; and in "Unravel the Gavel" newspaper. He processed old photos for an exhibition panel about John E. Grace, at America's Credit Union Museum, Manchester, NH.
Jim Cummings in Maine, 2008. photo by Patricia Cummings
Other Work Experience
A very bright student, he ranked third in his large graduating high school class at Concord High School. As a result, he won a scholarship to the University of NH where he studied Botany and Forestry. His education was interrupted when Uncle Sam needed him for two years to guard a missile site in Neckarsulm, Germany. After returning from serving in the U.S. Army, Jim worked for a time at Rumford Press, in Concord, NH, and later began working at the New Hampshire State Hospital as a mental health worker. At the same time, he completed a four year degree in Behavioral Sciences from UNH’s School for Lifelong Learning.
Contributions to Human Services
Subsequently, his experience and education led him to work in the Forensic Unit of the hospital, a section that was transferred to the State Prison and and was called the Secure Psychiatric Unit. As a police academy trained Correctional Officer, Jim worked every unit at the prison, in turn, except for the halfway house, usually working graveyard shift. This allowed me the use of our one car so that I could work during the day, at teaching, or at a few positions I took as a “word processor.” After twenty-one years with the state, he “retired,” in 1996.
Since that time, Jim has worked in other human service positions. He has helped out at a group home for the mentally retarded, and at the present time, he works as a certified nurse’s assistant in a nursing home. Part of his current work involves taking photos for our website, and collaborating with me in planning and producing magazine articles and books.
All of the work that Jim has done during his lifetime has served the good of others. He is the most selfless man I know, always willing to lend a hand, cheerfully, his goal always being just to help others.
Forever a Learner
Jim is self-taught in many areas. He is an avid reader and has learned all about computers, photography, home repair and other topics, by reading. He enjoys the study of a broad variety of subjects. He is a great conversationalist because of the knowledge he has acquired through his pursuit of the written word. He listens and always provides wise counsel.
Luckily for me, Jim enjoys cooking and he is always seeking ways to improve recipes to make them more healthy. He has come up with some of his own recipes that are delicious, and he shares some of those with you, on this website.
My Best Friend
For all of these reasons, and more, I decided to tell you about Jim today. He is my best friend, my associate, and my mirror. He sees the best in me, supports all that I do, and he is always ready to catch any typos! So, today I am taking the opportunity to share a “husband appreciation moment.”
Jim will be surprised when he reads this web entry, as he is quiet, humble, and always takes a supportive role. I appreciate his kindness toward others, and his gentleness and creative artistry. I want you to know that he is my hero.
©Copyright 2007. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. pat@quiltersmuse.com