James Weir Sumner
January 26, 1936 – May 9, 2023
This is a celebratory notice of the life that James Sumner had, and although he is no longer with us in person, he lives on through his influence on the lives of his family, his community, and his service to his country. He was confirmed in the Episcopal Church and later became an active member of the Methodist Church, serving where needed.
He loved the road trip and loved to fly. Travel was a joy to him and his greatest memories of his service in the U.S. Army was his opportunity to travel during his leave. He valued his service to his country, but made a point to learn about the countries where he was stationed in, travelled to, and served. His love of telling stories and ability to connect with people gave him the ability to fit in no matter where he went.
His service as an Officer of the Peace – what he preferred to call himself rather than a highway patrolman, or ranger, or police officer – was something that he considered to be a service to his community. His love for flying also continued into community service. By being a part of the Civil Air Patrol he searched for downed aircraft and those in need in remote locations. In reflecting back on his life, it was one that was lived well, in honor of his country, his family, and his communities.
James Sumner is survived by: his sister Reverend Robin Gantz; his daughter Pamela Rosnik, husband Phillip and their son Dmitry; his son James Sumner, spouse Teresa and their children Clayton and Samantha; his daughter Amanda O’Hagan, partner Keith Marks and her sons James and Reilly. He is also survived by Lynn Bileti and her husband Jay, John Daniels, Barbara Daniels and their families – the extended family of his recently departed and beloved wife, Sue Sumner.
He had an incredible journey and will be greatly missed by all.
His family and community will have the opportunity to honor his service to his country during an interment ceremony at Southern Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at 1300 South Buffalo Soldier Trail in Sierra Vista, Arizona, on Monday, August 7 at 11:00 a.m. (Please arrive by 10:40am.)
Immediately following the ceremony, a lunch reception to celebrate his life will be held at VFW Post 9972 in Sierra Vista beginning at 11:30 a.m. Southern Arizona Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arizona Rangers State Museum or to the Arizona Rangers Sonoita Company.
Day of the service
All funeral processions will need to arrive at the Veterans Cemetery’s Committal Service Staging area located near the Administration Building 30 minutes prior to the scheduled service. You will notice an electronic Marquee Sign on your right side. There is signage that will direct you to the staging area. An arrow will be on the ground of the right turn behind the Marquee, follow that line all the way around the administration building to the staging area stop sign. You will notice a COMMITTAL SERVICE Stop Sign, park there in the road and a Cemetery Representative will meet you there. A Cemetery Representative will greet the funeral home director and family and verify any additional information.