James Cummings

James F. (Jim) Cummings, a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano, died peacefully on Feb. 3, 2026. He was 86.

Jim is survived by sons, Vance Cummings and Brian Cummings; grandsons, Corey Cummings, Dyllan Cummings, and Tobey Cummings; a sister, Mabel Muscat; and two brothers, Mike Cummings and Russ Cummings.

He was born in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 1939, and married Susan June Taylor on Valentine’s Day 1960. Jim also served in the U.S. Army. He and Susan were married 50 years until her passing in 2010.

In addition to his great love of family and of traveling--Zion and Yosemite were favorite destinations--Jim was passionate about flying model airplanes and treasured his career of more than 30 years as a nuclear control operator at Southern California Edison’s nuclear generating station at San Onofre, where he made many friends. He also enjoyed visiting temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Other interests included darts, jogging and working out. He loved ‘50s music, especially doo-wop, and was an avid viewer of Fox News.

In his later years, Jim and good friend, Glenda Axenty, enjoyed watching their favorite TV shows, “Jeopardy,” “Wheel of Fortune,” and “Dancing with the Stars.” They also continued Jim’s love of traveling, taking a cruise to Alaska and visiting Yosemite.

Jim’s good nature and love of family and friends will be missed by all who knew him.

Graveside services are Friday, Feb. 27 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park-Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, CA 91724.

Viewing and graveside services begin at 9:00 a.m.

A memorial celebrating Jim's life will be on Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 29273 Stallion Ridge, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, which is adjacent to San Juan Hills High School. The memorial will start at 10 a.m. and will be followed by a light lunch.