Jesse Wayne Cummings

Our beloved Jesse (Jess) Wayne Cummings passed away February 18, 2012 at home with loved ones at his side. His fight was long inspiring to all that witnessed it.

Jess is survived by his wife of 25 years, Khristi, and daughter Heather of McCammon, Idaho, his parents Gary and Dorothy Cummings and sister Beverlee (Bill) Bryant of Bridgeport CA, his sisters Dolores (Paul) Green and JoAnn (Rob) Meier both of Riverside CA, brother Dan (Brenda) Cummings of Ontario OR and parents-in-law Bob and Sue Schaffner of McCammon Idaho.

Jess was born on July 6, 1954 in Hemet California. He spent his childhood in Bridgeport California where he developed a love of the outdoors that stayed with him his entire life and led him to his favorite pastimes. Jess enjoyed hunting, fishing, target shooting, riding 4-wheelers, working horses and maintaining his ranch.

Jess left his childhood home and moved to Ontario Oregon to attend college. He then went to work in construction in California. Jess married Khristi Jo Schaffner of Pocatello, Idaho on December 28, 1986 and was soon blessed with the apple of his eye- daughter Heather. Except for a short stint in Washington, Jess worked in various sites in California culminating with a long-term management position he loved that involved working with a number of fairgrounds throughout California. In the 20-plus years Jess was involved with the fair industry, extremely close relationships were developed with wonderful people that he cherished as a second family. Jess was a hard worker both for his employer and with the upkeep on his property.

Although Jess and Khris both continued to work in California, their hearts were in Idaho and that is where they made their home. Their small ranch lies in a valley along Marsh Creek with a spectacular view that Jess so enjoyed.
Jess had a special group of friends in Pocatello that met daily for coffee at Rhoads' House (OMCC), a private coffee club, to share all tall tales, solve the world's problems and toss around jabs. A pair of high boots and thick skin would be well advised for all that entered there. He and his dad-in-law Bob enjoyed the break from chores to go to the coffee club when Jess was home in Idaho. His neighbors along Marsh Creek also held a special place in his heart; a tight-knit group that look out for each other and he was grateful for their support.

Jess chose to be cremated and his wish was to forgo the traditional funeral and instead have a gathering of friends and family this summer to celebrate his life at which time he will be returned to the outdoors on the ranch he so loved.