James Hayes Bumstead of Williston Park entered eternity on Saturday, September 8. He was born February 5, 1934 in Glen Cove to Muriel Hayes Bumstead and Henry Albert “Al” Bumstead, Sr. He graduated from Oyster Bay High School (where he played Tuba in the marching band) in 1952. He volunteered for the US Army during the Korean War achieving the rank of corporal and earning the National Defense Service Medal before his honorable discharge.
After the army he forged a successful career in banking rising to the position of Vice President of a major bank corporation before his retirement. During his working career he also devoted himself to community service as an active member of the Mineola Kiwanis Club, of which he was president in 1984 and 1990. He also served as president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce from 1985 to 1987 during which time he significantly revitalized the organization. He was selected “Man of the Year” by the chamber in 1988.
Jim avidly pursued a number of hobbies and interests from musical theatre (especially Gilbert & Sullivan) to motorcycle road trips. He was a music lover, an accomplished artist, and the author of three published works: Pell of Oyster Bay; Tad’s Promise; and Freddy The Frog’s First Christmas. His long-time membership in the Audubon Society and Sierra Club reflected his love of nature, gardening, and particularly birds (which lead to his invention of a “squirrel proof” birdfeeder.)
Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Adeline RamoladorCheff; his sons Kirk James Bumstead and Ross Bumstead Christian, both of Virginia; his daughter The Rev. Heather L. Bumstead of Wisconsin; and his granddaughter Sarah Reynolds of Virginia. Also surviving Jim are well-loved nephew Stephen (Sue) Volpe; brother-in-law Theodore Volpe; and niece Denise (Steven) Volpe Theiss. He was preceded in death by father his father, Al ; mother Muriel; brother H. Albert “Bert” Bumstead, Jr.; and sister Brenda Bumstead Volpe.
Services will be held at the Memorial Cemetery of St. John’s Church in Laurel Hollow on September 28. The family will receive visitors in the cemetery chapel from 10:00 a.m. until the procession to graveside for the service of interment at noon – The Rev. Stephen Volpe officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Mineola Kiwanis Club; the Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association; or Bethania Lutheran Church (4120 Wright Ave., Racine WI 53406).
