James Joseph Cunningham

Jim Cunningham, a beloved husband, father, and brother, had a heart filled with gusto and grace. His life resonated with integrity and joy.

Born on January 13, 1962, in New Brunswick, NJ, Jim was the cherished son of James Francis Cunningham and Rosalie Martha Koenig. Jim is now reunited with his beloved parents in eternal peace.

Jim’s life on Earth wove a rich tapestry of service and devotion to the people who mattered most. He was a devoted husband to Stacey, with whom he shared a life of love and unity since their blessed marriage in 1994. Stacey and Jim lived, loved, laughed, and cried as a strong united front. Together, they raised four accomplished, intelligent, and kind children: Ben, Luke, Abby, and Kate. In addition to being a faithful son, husband, and father, Jim is remembered by his siblings Richard Cunningham, Beth Jones, and Michael Cunningham, along with Aunt Louise and Uncle John Morris, and many other extended family members and lifelong friends, notably his college friend Tom Baum.

An alumnus of North Carolina State University, Jim graduated in 1985, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design. His passion for science and innovation brought him to GlaxoSmithKline, where he enjoyed a long and fruitful career.

Jim’s life was a testament to the importance of community service. From 1988 to 1990, Jim served in the Peace Corps as a motor vehicle instructor in Kenya, where he gained language proficiency in Kiswahili. Back home, his community service continued: Jim drove for Meals on Wheels, built houses with Habitat for Humanity, participated with Knights of Columbus, and served in leadership roles in Packs 423 and 424 and Troop 424.

Jim’s sudden and shocking diagnosis with the fatal and debilitating disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in December 2025 did not change Jim’s life goals, because Jim’s life found its core purpose in faith, family, and community service.

We who are left behind will forever cherish the life Jim lived. His life is a model for our own. We also take comfort in the life he lives now in heaven, where there are no regrets, no illness, no sin, no pain, and no tears. Jim believed in the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and in the resurrection of the dead. As the window of Jim’s life was closing on earth, Psalm 23 became especially precious to him:

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and staff they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.

A funeral in honor of Jim Cunningham will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11 AM at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, located at 1001 Mason Rd, Durham, NC, 27712, followed by a reception and lunch. 

Donations in memory of Jim Cunningham will allow Jim’s legacy of compassion and community service to live on. Donations may be sent to ALS United North Carolina (3733 National Drive #124, Raleigh, NC 27612) (https://www.alsunited.org/donate); and Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Paws (2401 Od Highway 86, Hillsborough, NC 27278) (EENP) (https://eenp.org/donate#donateform)