James Phillip Hummel Jr., 71, of Vero Beach, passed away on July 18, 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Conni; son Scott; daughter-in-law Heather; grandsons Tyler and Ryan and numerous cousins.
Hummel was born to James P. Hummel Sr and Pearl Mumbauer Hummel in Atlantic City, N.J. on March 23, 1944. After WWII, the family returned to North Miami where he grew up. Hummel attended North Miami Sr. High School. Immediately, after graduation, he enlisted in the Navy Seals. However, due to his age of only 18, (the Navy changed the age of enlistment into the Seals), Hummel was given the choice of being discharged or choosing another branch of the Service. He chose The Army and became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He served at Ft. Lee, Va., Ft. Bragg, N.C., Ft. Jackson, S.C. and Ft. Benning, Ga.
When he was discharged he married his high school sweetheart Conni Washburn and they relocated to North Miami. Hummel then attended Miami-Dade Junior College while working as a Sales Rep for Seacoast Appliance.
He was soon wooed away by The Gillette Company, where he rapidly moved through the ranks to become Regional Sales Manager. In October of 1967, their son Scott was born. In 1972 they were moved to The Chicagoland area.
Hummel tired of the extensive travel while with Gillette and he longed to start his own business. In 1973, he became a State Farm Insurance Agent in Arlington Heights, Ill. He developed a very successful agency and worked at it until his death.
Even though his work kept him very busy, he never missed his son’s activities. Hummel was active in his community serving on the Kildeer board, as well as in numerous other activities.
He loved taking motorcycle trips with his buddies to historical places, and he saw most of the U.S. from the seat of a Harley Davidson.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Davenport Funeral Home located at 149 West Main Street, in Barrington, Illinois 60010.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions, to “Adopt A Platoon” or JourneyCare in Barrington, Ill.
Online condolences may be shared at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.