Jay Randall Cummings, age 68, passed away on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his family in the house that he built. Jay was born on April 12, 1958 in Frederic, WI to Royce and Leona Cummings. Along with his three brothers, Jeff, Jon, and Gene, he developed a love for the outdoors and fast vehicles, as well as a strong work ethic at the family lumber mill.

Jay was an avid outdoorsman and was known as “the legend” by many of the locals who heard his numerous hunting and fishing stories. Every deer had the biggest rack, every turkey the longest beard, and every fish was “Moby Dick.”

Jay spent most of his life working at the family business, Cummings Lumber, and was one of the hardest workers you’d ever meet. Outside of work, he was often found working on projects around his property or helping a neighbor with one of theirs.

Jay began building his own log home when he was only 18 years old, but his plan for a “bachelor pad” didn’t last long.

Jay married the love of his life, Julie Tietz, in 1985, and they celebrated 40 years of marriage last fall. Together they raised two children, Ashley and Adam.

Jay worked hard, but he also played hard and enjoyed traveling with his family in tow as they hiked, camped, and explored the Midwest. He taught his children the art of tree identification, often quizzing them along the way as they hiked.

He also taught them to hunt for agates, raise Monarch caterpillars, and catch fireflies, which would be released into their home before the lights were turned off and then (mostly) caught again prior to being returned to the outdoors. On canoe trips, he was known for directing Julie to paddle on “this side” or “that side” from the back of the canoe, which never seemed to be quite as helpful as he intended.

He also taught his children how to garden. Every potato had to be planted while saying "potato, potato" to ensure a big harvest, and he paid a penny apiece for every potato bug picked. Jay didn’t do anything small, and he regularly made the local newspaper with his snowmen that were taller than the house. He was also a wicked dice and card player who mastered the art of table talk and often beat his opponents by taking large risks.

One of Jay’s biggest passions in life was his two granddaughters, Kaliah and Kaiya. Kaliah had barely started speaking, but could clearly state, “Happy, happy!” when she saw her Grandpa Jay. He was one of very few people that could hold Kaiya as an infant without instantly sending her into tears. As they grew older, they also took part in many of his shenanigans, from salamander races to demolition derbies with Cozy Coupe cars.

As much as Jay loved hunting and fishing, he would quickly pass a rifle or fishing pole to his children or grandchildren while smiling ear to ear as he watched them bag a trophy instead. He also made sure to teach them the important aspects of hunting and fishing, such as “big bait, big fish” and to always throw the testicles of a field dressed buck over your left shoulder in hopes they land in a tree for good luck.

Jay finished his career at Quanex in Luck, WI, where he enjoyed working from 2017-2021. Jay was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in January 2021. Overnight, he was told he could no longer drive, work, or hunt. For a man who rarely slowed down, this was an immense adjustment. With the unwavering support of his wife, Julie, and son, Adam, he was able to remain in the home he built for the rest of his life.

We grieve the loss of a witty, generous, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend. While he left us far too soon, we find comfort knowing he is at peace after 5 years of gradual cognitive and physical decline. Jay was preceded in death by his father, Royce Cummings; mother, Leona Cummings; and brother, Jon Cummings.

He is survived by his wife, Julie Cummings; daughter, Ashley Beecroft (Will); son, Adam Cummings; granddaughters, Kaliah and Kaiya Beecroft; brothers, Jeff and Gene Cummings; sister-in-law, Judy Dodge Cummings; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

A visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, WI on Wednesday July 8th from 4pm-7pm, followed by a funeral service at Grace Lutheran Church of West Sweden in Frederic, WI on Thursday July 9th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).

Last Update: Jun 29, 2026 9:26 am CDT