James Henry Cumberland

James Henry Cumberland, 86, of Hillsboro, departed this life and entered into his eternal home promised to those that love and serve God on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026 at Miami Valley Hospital. 

He was born Feb. 14, 1939 in Ripley, the son of the late John Ison and Delia Marie (Watts) Cumberland. 

He was employed at the age of 16 by the Wilmington Casting Company, followed by 13 years at the State Highway Department. He then retired from Cincinnati Milacron in Afton after 27 years of service. He was baptized into the Christian family in his teens at New Hope Baptist Church, where he served in the youth choir, later in the male chorus and senior choir, and became an ordained Deacon by the Eastern Union Baptist Institute of Ministers and Deacons. He later served as song leader at the Samantha Freewill Baptist Church. He was a Little League baseball coach for many years, enjoyed softball, corn hole, horseshoes and bowling, where he is a Hall of Fame member. 

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, and was united in marriage at the New Hope Baptist Church on June 18, 1960 to Eleanor L. (Curtis) Cumberland, and she survives. They are parents to four children, James Leon Cumberland, Mark E. (Peggy) Cumberland, Chad E. Cumberland, and Heather Cumberland Delgado; 10 grandchildren, James Leon Cumberland Jr., Caleb Cumberland, Brittany Captain McClarren, Oceana Cumberland Stein, Jalesia Cumberland Strothers, Mariah Cumberland Stein, Alexis Cumberland, Jalan Cumberland, Katrina Valaskamp and Zion Barron; 24 great-grandchildren; a sister, Doris Cumberland Woods; many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as special friends Dennis Scott, Reginald Turner, Phillip Zimmerman, Dave Garrison, Dennis Cumberland, and Kenneth Cumberland. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Leon Cumberland; siblings, Edward Cumberland, Alice Cumberland Kinney, Myrtle Cumberland Rowe, John Cumberland, Jr. and Richard Cumberland. 

In keeping with his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine. A celebration of James’ life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Highland County Society for Children & Adults, 111 West Street, Hillsboro Ohio or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

For information, visit https://www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.