Jim Sumner

Jim Sumner passed away at the age of 83 on April 29th, 2025. He was born and raised in Albuquerque, graduating from Albuquerque High in 1959. He attended UNM as a freshman and went to work as a machinist apprentice for Santa Fe Railroad. He was drafted into the US Army in 1964 and served active duty for several years. Jim moved into the 4153rd Army Reserve unit and retired with over thirty years of service and the rank of CW4.

Upon returning to Albuquerque from active duty, he resumed work for Santa Fe Railroad at the shops downtown. He was involved with the centralized work equipment - designing, building and servicing the maintenance of way equipment. When the shops closed, Jim supervised the MOW territory from Albuquerque to Needles, California and then worked in the Operations Center in Schaumburg, Illinois where he retired shortly after the BNSF merger.

Jim was a volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America for over twenty years holding many positions in the EVM district and Troop 134. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 2008 by the Great Southwest Council, the highest award bestowed to a volunteer for distinguished service by a council.

Jim was an active and lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, serving on many committees, the board of the thrift shop and as Lay Leader. He enjoyed the fellowship of its members and made many friends along the way.

His hobbies included woodworking, metalworking and reading. He loved traveling to new places, taking cruises with his wife and going on off-road adventures with his son. Jim was very resourceful and could fix, repair or build almost anything.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, JC and Blanche Sumner. Jim is survived by his wife Eileen, son Brian and several cousins. Contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Central United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.