Date of Birth:
Friday, May 26, 1939
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Age:
86 years old

James Robert Cummins

James “Jim” Robert Cummins, 86, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Jim was born on May 26, 1939, in Smith’s Mill, Minnesota, to Stanley and Goldie (Hammett) Cummins. He grew up in Janesville, where he graduated from Janesville High School. After graduation, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting on October 15, 1958. He served as a Military Policeman until his honorable discharge on February 1, 1962. Jim worked for Greenway Co-Op as a manager for fertilizer and then later petroleum.

In 1968, Jim’s life took a wonderful turn when he reconnected with a former classmate, Arlene Drager (Kopischke), a young widow with four children. The 29-year-old bachelor fell in love not just with Arlene, but with her entire family. The two were united in marriage on November 30, 1968, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Janesville, and Jim later adopted Arlene’s four children. Together, they were blessed with a son of their own, completing their family.

Jim’s life was centered around faith, family, and laughter. He was a faithful man of God who rarely missed a service and would listen online when he couldn’t attend in person. Jim loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and camping with his family and close friends. He enjoyed a good jigsaw puzzle, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and telling a classic Ole and Sven joke or two. Known as a bit of a jokester, Jim could always make people smile. He was a master of card games and marbles, and enjoyed winters in Mission, Texas. Jim was known for his distinct whistle throughout the neighborhood. Jim was a generous man, always supporting various organizations every month. Jim also loved watching YouTube videos and never missed an opportunity to invite you to stay for lunch, usually featuring a Godfather’s Pizza delivery. Above all, Jim absolutely loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Arlene Cummins of Rochester; his children Lori (Tracy) Holland of Ellendale, Lana (Rick) Thompsen of Ellendale, LaDonna (Mark) Fallen of Medina, Lance (Anne) Cummins of Prior Lake, and Lee (Jenny) Cummins of Rochester; grandchildren Abbey (Derek) Marzahn, Alec Holland, Erin (Nick) Budach, Kristi Thompsen, Connor Fallen, Carter Fallen, Chloe Fallen, Kendra (Cody) Simonis, Tanner Cummins, Madison Cummins, Tyler Schandorff, Dawson Peterson, and Braylin Peterson; and great-grandchildren Delaney and Benelli Marzahn, Reed and Beckett Budach, Dekker Thompsen, and Morgan Simonis. He is also survived by his brothers Gary (Connie) Cummins, Ron (Cheeny) Cummins, Richard Cummins all of Janesville, MN, his sister Becky Fuller of California and many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his great-granddaughter Finly Budach; his brothers Bill and Bruce; his sister Judy; and his parents Stanley and Goldie Cummins.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 222 6th Ave. SW, Rochester, with Rev. Nathaniel Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Jim’s great-granddaughter’s foundation: Finly’s Wings at Work, FWAW, 17434 State Hwy 30, New Richland, MN 56072 or to the Minnesota State Veterans Home, 1864 First Minnesota, Preston, MN 55965

To share a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.