James Sumner Obituary

James Homer Sumner
Charleston - James "Jim" Homer Sumner, Sr passed away on February 5, 2025 in Charleston, SC at the age of 83 after a long battle with cancer. Jim was born in Hartford, IL on August 1, 1941 to Mable and Homer Sumner. Jim graduated Alton Sr. High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Air Force and served 4 years of active duty at Chanute Air Force Base as a Painter and toured with the base basketball team as starting guard. He returned to Alton after leaving the military in 1964 and married his lifelong partner, Cynthia Peipert in 1965. They had three boys, James Jr., Philip and Kurt, and moved to Southern California in 1970 and to Phoenix, AZ a few years later before returning to Alton in 1980. He earned an Associate's degree in Computer Science from Lewis and Clarke College in the late 80's. Jim and Cindy relocated to Charlotte, NC in the early 90's where he worked in various data processing roles in the banking industry. They relocated to Charleston, SC after retiring in 2007 where they remained together for the rest of their lives.
Jim was a fantastic father who loved spending time playing and coaching his young boys in baseball and going fishing and camping. Always a soft spoken, kind hearted, decent and courteous person, very much like his mother. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.
Jim is preceded in death by his youngest son, Kurt; his beloved wife, Cindy; Mother, Mable; and brothers, Don, Larry, Terry and Joe. He is survived by his brother, John Sumner and his two sons, James Jr. and Philip Sumner.
There will be a celebration of life for Jim and Cindy at Johnsons Corner on June 14th from 1 to 4 p.m. All who knew them and their family are welcome.