Cummins, Jerry J. Age 78, of La Grange Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 13, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan, 75; son, Joel Cummins, 41, and daughter-in-law, Dasha Davis, 34. Jerry battled Alzheimer's disease for four years, but he never let the disease take his kind and happy demeanor. He was a nationally known mathematics educator and textbook author, and an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and everything Notre Dame. He loved music, attending more than 200 concerts of his son's popular rock band Umphrey's McGee. Jerry will be remembered as one of the most fun-loving, caring people many of us have ever known, personally and professionally. Everyone who knew Jerry has a story about how he stepped up to make something happen to help his students succeed, to help young athletes on the many teams he coached, and sometimes just to see a football game. He loved to show up at major sporting events without a ticket, and he usually got in often for free, including a Super Bowl. As a teacher, he combined this spontaneity with his devotion to helping young people learn. For instance, in 1990 the chaperone of a high-school trip to Germany became ill, jeopardizing the trip. Though they didn't know German, he and Susan volunteered to go. They happened to be in Berlin when Roger Waters performed "The Wall," so they took the students, including their son, to see this once-in-a-generation event. Jerry was born December 21, 1937, in Metropolis, Illinois, to Robert Cummins and Mabel Cummins. He was the youngest of five siblings, John, David, Jean Byrd and Phyllis Morgan, who all preceded him in passing. Jerry grew up across the street from Susan Easterday, who became his high-school sweetheart, his college classmate, and for 53 years his loving spouse. After graduating from Metropolis High School in 1956, he attended Southern Illinois University and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics education. After marrying Susan in 1962, they earned their master's degrees in education and administration from the University of Oregon. Jerry and Susan traveled the world together for work and pleasure, including China, Italy and Egypt. Jerry sometimes worked in his love of golf on those trips, such as when he and his son played the Old Course at St. Andrews. Jerry ended his 32-year teaching career in the Chicagoland area at Lyons Township High School in 1994, though he continued to train teachers around the country through 2012. Along the way, he became a leading author of mathematics textbooks, co-authoring 18. In the 1990s, Mr. Cummins emerged as a national leader in using new technologies to engage math students. He trained thousands of teachers and spoke at mathematics conferences around the country. Jerry held leadership positions in the Chicago Metropolitan Math Club, the Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) and the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, for which he helped create its highly successful summer math leadership academies. He received numerous awards from ICTM, including the Distinguished Life Achievement Award and the Lee Yunker Mathematics Leadership Award. While Jerry's educational achievements were many, he was also a leader outside of mathematics. He coached many high school and youth sports teams, including golf, baseball and basketball. He and Susan taught Fortnightly dance classes, led Young Life and taught Sunday school at Western Springs Baptist Church for years. They later joined the First Congregational Church of Western Springs. A memorial service and reception will be held at First Congregational Church, 1106 Chestnut St., at 2:00 p.m., January 25. Donations made in Jerry's honor to Plymouth Place will go to the Alzheimer's care unit, Greg's Place, where he lived. plymouthplace.org/donate Donations to the Dr. Timothy Kanold Scholarship, named for Jerry's colleague and dear friend, will help a graduating senior pursue a career in mathematics. (bitly for scholarship description: http://bit.ly/timothykanold, bitly for donate page: http://bit.ly/kanold)

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 19, 2016.

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Flo Howe

January 24, 2016

Our deepest sympathy to Susan, Joel and Dasha on the passing of Jerry. Love Flo, Harold Howe and families in Australia.

Dale Crawford

January 24, 2016

I knew Jerry from our work together at Proviso West High School and from several wonderful afternoons on the golf course. Jerry had a dramatic impact on his profession and the teachers whom he mentored. My condolences to the Cummins family.

Roger Day and Tami Martin

January 23, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers to Susan and all of Jerry's family. We count ourselves as so fortunate to have known and worked with Jerry in several ways. He'll remain a great example of dedication, persistence, and enthusiasm for the betterment of mathematics teachers, students, and classrooms everywhere.

Paul Hettinga

January 23, 2016

Seeing this smiling picture of Jerry reminds me of all the times over many years that we saw and experienced this smile ourselves. Susan, we are so so sorry for the loss of your life partner and best friend. And for you Joel, losing your biggest fan must be so difficult. We are truly sorry for your loss.

Please know that you all have been in our hearts and prayers over these last couple years and now as you deal with the loss of your beloved husband, friend and father.

Jerry, our prayer is that the love and knowledge of God's presence in your life is now an even deeper reality, and that you are finally comforted by his deep love.

Paul and Joanna Hettinga

January 21, 2016

Jerry's smile could melt the coldest heart. His "happy eyes" said it all. We graduated high school 60 years ago, serving together as class officers. His memory will never fade. Susan and family, you have my deepest sympathy.

Susan Jacobson

January 21, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of such a wonderful man.

Dee Park Hobson

January 21, 2016

You and Jerry were such a dynamic couple; so very sad for your loss. I know you have many wonderful memories of your years together. I did not know that Jerry lived across the street from you in Metropolis. He must have been around when you were teaching me to twirl. You are in my thoughts, Susan.

virginia cissell-Burns

January 21, 2016

I feel blessed to have known you
One of the nice spots of my high school days

Carole Theesfeld

January 20, 2016

Thank you Jerry for all you did to help me improve. I the enjoyed the times together at that the math conventions. Love and prayers to the family. Carole and Dave Theesfeld.

Joan Zafrani

January 20, 2016

The math SuperMan from Metropolis inspired so many math teachers and leaders to be the strongest they could be! I am glad I met him on my path.

Marie Taylor

January 20, 2016

Susan, you and Jerry have been missed. Christmas (or early Jan.) has not been the same without your dynamic newsletter combined with timely photos. The last time I saw Jerry was a few summers ago when he drove to our home on KY Lake and visited with Hawk. They sat on the deck, under the elms, enjoying a welcome breeze. That visit meant so much to Hawk. They discussed everything from sports (favorite players) to spirituality (favorite ministers) Jerry was a minister to Hawk that afternoon and I will always be grateful. You and your family are in my prayers. May God continue to provide strength and blessings. Marie Taylor

Doug and Leslie Stickels

January 20, 2016

Doug and I send our thoughts and prayers for our former LTHS colleague. His smile and laugh will always be remembered.

Bob Milano

January 20, 2016

Jerry and I were on the faculty at Proviso West High School where he began his teaching career. After leaving PW for LT, we continued our long association with monthly lunches. I was extremely honored when Jerry presented me with a copy of the first geometry book he co-authored. I shall always remember Jerry as a highly talented mathematics teacher, a leader in his field but especially, a true and loyal friend.

Nancy Gorman

January 20, 2016

Our hearts go out to Susan and Joel. Jerry was like a second father to our son, pulling him out of scrapes, giving him a wonderful model of kindness and generosity. Words cannot express our sense of loss or our gratitude for having had such a fine man in our lives.

Dea Burton

January 19, 2016

So sorry to hear about the loss of my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Susan and Joel..Always remember how lucky we were to have him in your life

Clark Bell

January 19, 2016

Sweet swinging Jerry was one of the most feared left-handed bats in Cubs Fantasy Camp history. A true gentleman.

Pattie Bollone Wyatt

January 19, 2016

Sorry to hear of Jerry's passing, he always had time for people and always had a smile. Sympathies to Susan and his family.

Peter Balyta

January 19, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Cummins family.
Educators and students around the world owe a tremendous debt to Jerry's leadership, advocacy, and to commitment mathematics education.
We will miss him dearly.
Peter

Sue Wendt

January 19, 2016

Working with Jerry at LTHS, I admired his dedication and professionalism. After his retirement from there, he continued to influence learning with both teachers and students. Yet he always put his family first too. My sympathies go to Susan and Joel. RIP Jerry.

Stacy Ambrozich

January 19, 2016

Jerry was a great leader and wonderful human being. It's is because of him that I still teach using cooperative learning and graphing calculators in my classroom and I am forever grateful. His legacy spreads far among many educators around the country and I am blessed to have known such a kind-hearted and talented man. Thank you Jerry and God Bless!

Patricia Bickel

January 19, 2016

The Cummin's Family,

My sincerest condolences to you all. I want you to know that I have always felt it was a privilege that I was chosen by Jerry to be a member of the Proviso math department and to learn the art of teaching from a master. When I became department chairman when he went to Lyons Township he left me with some words of advice that still ring true today: "Always let the parents speak first while holding your tongue. The parents will run out of steam. Then calmly respond with respect and you will come out a winner"

Joann Pyritz

January 19, 2016

My deepest sympathy to Jerry's family. As a teacher at LTHS, I had tremendous respect for him. Jerry's intelligence coupled with his ability to interact with people really set him apart. Jerry was able to bring out the best in his colleagues because he understood that teaching is a people business more than anything else. I will miss Jerry.

Laslo Tako

January 19, 2016

Dear Commins Family, we send our sincere sympathy to you from Knoxville Tennessee. Katherine and Laslo Tako.

F and G Rich

January 19, 2016

We are saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind man. Please accept our deepest condolences. Phillipians 4:6,7

Cheryl Lynn

January 19, 2016

Dear Cummins family please accept my sincere condolences. Make God your stronghold during this difficult time. Remember that he cares for you

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