Overflow Crowd Attends Funeral Service, Cummings Lauded For His Life of Service
KINGSLAND - Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings, 66, died last Thursday afternoon, Aug. 28, while driving northbound in a county-owned pickup along Hwy. 79 in Kingsland.
According to reports from law enforcement at the scene, Cummings was traveling north along Hwy. 79 in a county-owned 2024 Ram truck when two witnesses said the veered across the southbound lane, drove off the embankment along the side of the highway and ended up in a wooded area. Law enforcement reported that two witnesses said the truck swerved a couple of times before veering across the southbound lane and into the woods.
The ¾-ton pickup truck appeared to have knocked over one tree before coming to a stop against a large pine tree about 15 feet into the woods. When the truck was pulled from the woods, the front grill and hood of the truck was smashed in from the collison with the tree while the cab and front windshield appeared to be 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 Hwy. 79/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 did not release a fatal accident report on the wreck.
Cummings was in the third year of his first four-year term as Cleveland County Judge after being elected in 2022. He had previously served two terms as county/circuit clerk, winning a two-year term in 2016 and a four-year term in 2018.
After retiring as a sergeant major from a career with the U.S. Marines, Cummings returned to his native Cleveland County before getting into politics. He served as chairman of the Cleveland County Republican Party before deciding to run for county/circuit clerk.
In addition, he served as fire chief for the “Y’/Hwy. 212 Fire Department and was a member of the Cleveland County Rural Water Users Association Board of Directors before being elected to public office.
An overflow crowd was packed inside Rison Baptist Church and its fellowship hall for his funeral service Tuesday afternoon. U.S. Senator Tom Cotton and Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman both had representatives at the service, while State Rep. Mike Holcomb and representatives from several state agencies were in attendance as well.
Several of his fellow county judges, especially those who are part of the 10-county Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District, were at the funeral as were several county officials, justices of the peace and county office workers.
Bro. Cody Robinson, pastor of Rison Baptist Church, and Keden Shrum, minister of the Rison Church of Christ, both praised Cummings for his Christian walk and service to his community. Bro. Wade Totty, former pastor of Rison Baptist Church, used his sermon to parallel Cummings’ life to that of a Christian soldier and servant.
His son, Robert Cummings, also spoke at the funeral, recalling how his father set an example for him to follow in his life.
A proud Marine, Cummings was buried with military honors at Randolph Cemetery outside Rison after the funeral.
The sudden loss of the county judge sent shockwaves through the state and community.
Congressman Westerman (R-Hot Springs) said in statement released last Friday that he was “deeply saddened to learn of (Cummings’) untimely passing.
“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.”
Rison Mayor Charles Roberts said the city had “lost a great friend” with Cummings passing.
“Jimmy was so helpful when we needed extra equipment or manpower,” he said. “When we needed him, he was there.”
Roberts said he enjoyed getting to serve in local government alongside Cummings.
He reflected on memories made on a trip to Washington D.C. this past October for the unveiling of the Johnny Cash statue in Statutory Hall at the U.S. Capitol complex. Roberts said Cummings gave him a personal tour of the historical city.
“He will be missed,” said Roberts.
Kingsland Mayor Karen Wiscaver said she had stopped the county judge’s office at Rison last Thursday morning by to visit Cummings and leave some donuts for his office.