James Edward Cunningham, Sr.

Service Details

A celebration of James’ life will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, 11:00am, at Second Baptist Church, 3925 32^nd Avenue.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park in Somers.

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James Edward Cunningham, Sr., 89, received the promise of eternal life on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2019.  He was born in Jackson, Mississippi, on Flag Day, June 14, 1930, son of the late Sydney and Katie (Née: Dickey) Cunningham.

James was united in marriage to the love of his live, Mary Catherine, on November 15, 1954.  Friday, November 15, 2019, would have been their 65th Anniversary.

James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at St. Mary’s Church in McComb, Mississippi. He attended Universal Elementary School in McComb and then Pike County High School in Magnolia, Mississippi.  James proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne from 1950 – 1952.  James worked for AMC in his earlier years.  He was then a construction worker for Camosy Construction for many more years before his retirement. James was President of the Northshore Retirees Club Chapter 30.

James was a longtime member, choir member, Deacon, and Trustee of Second Baptist Church in Kenosha.  He loved fishing, gardening, playing pool, and playing cards.  He was known for his story telling and jokes.  His favorite times were spent with his family whom he loved dearly.

James leaves to cherish his memory his children, Leonard (Barbara) Cunningham, Linda Faye Cunningham, David (Toni) Cunningham, Glendora Cunningham, Francilla R. Cunningham; his thirteen grandchildren, Jamal, Taylor, and Shawn (Stephanie) Cunningham, Jamie and Joshua Cunningham, Tracy and Greg Daniels, Tyrell (Jasmine) Morris, Charles (Roserio Nunez) Cunningham, Royce Cunningham, Christopher Cunningham, Zjetia Z. Strong-Cunningham, Katie Cunningham; a host of great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary Judy (Clifton) Bryant, Evanell Hartwell; sisters-in-law, Linda Cunningham, Francey Roulette; brothers-in-law, Frank (Gertrude) Wolfe, Tommy Wolfe, Jr., Nathaniel (Toni) Wolfe, Raymond West, James Tolefree; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Catherine Cunningham; sons, Craig Cunningham, James Edward Cunningham, Jr.; granddaughter, Kizzy Riley; sisters, Dorothy (Henry) Miller, Linda Cunningham, Evelyn (James) Cunningham; brothers, Sydney (Sadie) Cunningham, Jr., Johnny (Janie Dean) Cunningham, Robert Cunningham; sisters-in-law, Elouise Tolefree, Madie Rainey, Artrisha Niles; brother-in-law, Sonny Hartwell; mother-in-law, Jessie Mae Wolfe-Blakely; fathers-in-law, Tommy Wolfe, Sr., and John Blakely.

A celebration of James’ life will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, 11:00am, at Second Baptist Church, 3925 32^nd Avenue.  Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park in Somers.

The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to all of the staff at Hospice Alliance for the wonderful care given to James during this difficult time.  Also, a “Thank You” to the staff at the V.A. for their support and dedication over the years.