Family and Friends Unite to Honor the Legacy of Neptune’s John Patrick Cummins, Jr. THIS SATURDAY at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life in Ocean Grove
Neptune, NJ — One year after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of John Patrick Cummins, Jr., his family and loved ones are coming together to honor his memory by forming a team at NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race on Saturday, May 17, in Ocean Grove, presented by MTF Biologics. The team, called Jape the Grape, is dedicated to remembering and celebrating the life of John, a beloved Neptune resident who passed away in May 2024.
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life carries powerful significance for John’s family and friends, as it marks the one-year anniversary of his passing. Despite the pain of loss, John’s family and loved ones have found strength and purpose by uniting to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in his honor.
"It just felt like the right thing to do," said Neptune Police Lieutenant James MacConchie, John’s brother. "John was a registered organ and tissue donor whose donated corneas, bones, and skin grafts have helped enhance lives. He always put others first, and participating in the 5K Celebration of Life honors his memory while supporting NJ Sharing Network’s mission. It’s a way to keep his spirit alive and continue spreading positivity."
John was just 28 years old when he passed away at Jersey Shore Medical Center following a tragic accident. Known as "Jape the Grape" since his days playing Pop Warner football, John’s nickname originated from his initials, JP, which evolved into “Jape” and later “Jape the Grape” — a quirky moniker that stuck and became synonymous with his fun-loving spirit.
Born and raised in Neptune, John graduated from St. John Vianney High School in 2014 and went on to study finance at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. After earning his degree, he began his career at UBS as an International Business Risk Analyst before working as a Senior Client Service Associate at Wealthspire Advisors in New York City.
An adventurous soul, John loved riding motorcycles, dirt bikes, snowboarding, and tinkering with anything he could get his hands on. He was also a talented pianist, picking up and learning new music just by listening to the songs he wanted to play. Known for his quick problem-solving skills, bright smile, and ability to make everyone laugh, John had a deep love for his family and friends and a huge heart.
John’s memory lives on through his loving family, including his parents, John Patrick Cummins Sr. and Anne Marie Cummins; his brother, Neptune Police Lieutenant James MacConchie; sister-in-law, Meagan MacConchie; sister, Eimile Cummins; and his nieces, Cali, Skylar, Brynn, and Kenzie MacConchie. He was also cherished by his paternal grandmother, Patricia Cummins; his maternal grandmother, Joan Kelly; and his lifelong friends, Scott Barchi, Dylan Bale, and Kyle Voloshin.
Lieutenant MacConchie has long supported NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life events, but this year carries a deeper meaning. Last year, he planned to help coordinate the event but was unable to attend due to John’s sudden passing the night before. Now, the Jape the Grape team will come together to honor John’s memory and the incredible impact of organ and tissue donation.
“Seeing the community come together to support donor families and transplant recipients is truly inspiring,” said Lieutenant MacConchie. “It’s a great event for our community, and it brings people together in a powerful way.”
NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life is one of the Garden State’s largest and most-recognized charitable events. For 15 years, NJ Sharing Network’s 5K Celebration of Life has brought together thousands of transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and dedicated volunteers and advocates. Funds raised by event participants, teams, sponsors, and contributors will support the Sharing Network Foundation, which is committed to increasing the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness, and education. In addition to the Ocean Grove 5K event, another 5K Celebration of Life Walk and USATF Certified Race will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at NJ Sharing Network’s headquarters in New Providence, NJ, presented by RWJBarnabas Health.
To sign up to participate in the 5K Celebration of Life or contribute to a team, visit www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/5K.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with nearly 4,000 of them in New Jersey. One organ and tissue donor can save eight lives and enhance the lives of over 75 others. While the opportunity to give the gift of life is rare, it’s a truly precious one. Less than 1% of all deaths meet the specific medical criteria to become an organ donor, which highlights the importance of encouraging more people to register as donors. Every new donor registration brings hope, helping to save and enhance lives.
For more information on organ and tissue donation or to register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.
PHOTO CAPTION: John Patrick Cummins, Jr., a beloved Neptune resident who passed away in May 2024
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of NJ Sharing Network)
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