Jimmy Cummings
Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle accident along Hwy. 79 in Kingsland.
According to preliminary reports from law enforcement at the scene, Cummings was traveling north along Hwy. 79 in the county-owned 2024 Ram truck when it veered across the southbound lane, and drove off the embankment before coming to a stop after hitting a tree in the woods. Law enforcement reported two witnesses said the truck swerved a couple of times before veering off the highway.
The ¾-ton truck appeared to have knocked over one tree before coming to a stop about 15 feet into the woods. When the truck was pulled from the woods, the cab appeared to be completely intact with no major damage.
While it had rained in the area earlier that day, road conditions were dry during the recovery effort. The accident happened at around 1 p.m. Thursday.
The accident took place just north of the Panther Creek bridge, about a quarter mile north of the Bear State Street intersection in Kingsland.
The Kingsland Fire Department, EASI Ambulance Service and Cleveland County Coroner Chuck Valentine responded to the scene.
Arkansas State Police investigated the accident but have not released the official accident report.
Cummings was in the third year of his first four-year term as Cleveland County Judge. He had previously served as county/circuit clerk.
After retiring from the Marines as a sergeant major, Cummings returned to his native Cleveland County before getting involved in politics. He served as chairman of the Cleveland County Republican Party before deciding to run for county/circuit clerk.
The Cleveland County Quorum Court is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at the Hall-Morgan Veterans Building in Rison. Justice of the Peace Donnie Herring of the Pleasant Ridge community, selected to serve as moderator by his fellow justices early this year, will chair the meeting.
Herring told the Herald that he has been in contact with the Association of Arkansas Counties and will share with the quorum court the legal steps the county needs to take regarding the vacancy in the county judge’s office.
Several from the community shared their memories on social media of County Judge Jimmy Cummings, including Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman (R, -Hot Springs).
Westerman said he was “deeply saddened to learn of (Cummings’) untimely passing” in a statement Friday.
“Judge Cummings was serving his first term as county judge, proving to be a dedicated leader and committed public servant who left an indelible mark on the Cleveland County community.
“Judge Cummings was not only an exceptional public official but also a proud veteran who answered the call to serve his country with honor. His exemplary military service underscores his committed dedication to others, whether on the battlefield or in the halls of local government. Through his leadership, Judge Cummings embodied the values of integrity, courage and selflessness.”
“Our prayers are with his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Westerman continued. “Cleveland County has lost a steadfast leader whose legacy of service remains an example to all. May God bless and comfort his loved ones during this difficult time.”