MANCHESTER, NH – Jason W. Cumming passed away Thursday, April 11, 2019.
Jason was born in Mountain Home, Idaho, on June 4, 1973, the youngest child of Jane (Daley) and David Cumming.
Growing up in an ever-moving military family, he was educated in Billerica Public Schools before moving to upstate New York with his family and graduating from Shenendehowa High School in 1991.
Jason went to college at SUNY Brockport in upstate New York and graduated in 1995. There, he was a radio DJ for his college station. From a very young age, music became a very important part of his life. As a child, he would practice spinning vinyls and his emcee skills in his room. This passion would later evolve into a career.
Jason would eventually go on to work for country, pop, and adult contemporary radio stations. When he wasn’t on air, he worked as a country DJ and country dance instructor. He was employed by Main Event Entertainment and had DJ’d hundreds of events. Jason was extremely popular, making countless weddings a memorable event for many brides and grooms.
It was his love of country music, line dancing and karaoke, that would lead him to his future wife. Smitten from the beginning, he serenaded her in front of a club full of friends before dropping to one knee and proposing. He followed that with the song “For my wedding” during the ceremony on the day they were married in 2002.
He had also been employed at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center as a resident counselor for many years.
Jason was the girls soccer coach at St. Joseph Regional Junior High School and had previously coached the freshman girls soccer team at Central High School, as well as girls soccer at Derryfield school in Manchester.
Coach Cumming was also a well-respected wrestling coach at Central High School for the last 10 seasons, as well as The Manchester Police Athletic League. Jason founded the MPAL Gryphons and was the cornerstone of the wrestling program. He was a strong mentor and a positive role model who believed in building champions on and off the mat.
Coach Cumming had such a positive influence on so many lives and his loss will be felt throughout the community.
Jason smiled with his eyes and had a vivacious personality. He always made those around him laugh and made friends everywhere he went.
He was a dedicated father who treasured his children and embraced every moment with them.
In addition to his parents, Jason is survived by his beloved wife Lynne (Broyles) Cumming of Manchester and her son, Christopher; his son Charles J. Cumming of Monroe, NC, and his daughter Rhiannon Faye of Manchester; brother Robert Reddington and his partner Jenifer Dillingham of Salem, sister Janine Duclos and her husband Bill of Penacook, and sister-in-law Jennifer Broyles of Londonderry. Also loving survived by many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Cumming proudly served his country as a Senior Airman in the United States Air Force from 1996-1999.
Jason was also a longtime member of The American Legion, Jutras Post 43.
The family would like to thank the Community for the overwhelming outpouring of support and kindness during this time.
SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 26, from 3 – 5 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 250 Coolidge Avenue, in Manchester. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 27 at Jutras Post, at a time to be determined. Following cremation, interment will take place at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, on Monday, April 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you please consider making a donation to Liberty House, c/o Ashley Kitchell, 75 W. Baker Street, Manchester, NH 03079 or to Wounded Warrior Project, two causes that, as a veteran, Jason often supported.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to www.phaneuf.net
