James Edward Cunningham Jr.

James E. Cunningham, Jr.

(Dec. 9, 1937 - Jan. 21, 2025)

It is with great sadness and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of James Edward Cunningham Jr, at the age of 87 on Jan. 21, 2025. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his presence will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

Jim was born Dec. 9, 1937, in Lincoln, Nebraska, moving to Burwell, Nebraska in his first year of high school. He spent his youth fishing in the river flowing through the town of Burwell. In high school, he was on the Burwell basketball team, and was their star player. After graduating high school, Jim went on to play basketball at Drake University in lowa. It was during these years that Jim felt called to serve his country. He proudly served in the United States Navy on the USS Bennington aircraft carrier and was in the Naval Reserves where his dedication and sense of duty were a reflection of his character. His service to his country was a significant part of his life, and he carried those values throughout all his life. Jim was a lifetime member of the Masons.

Jim and Sharon met in April, 1968 and they were married on Nov. 16, 1968 to the love of his life, and they shared 56 beautiful years of life and love. Their bond built on a mutual respect and affection for each other. Together Jim and Sharon had two boys, Blain in 1969 and Brian in 1971. They made their home and raised their family in Powell, Wyoming, where they continued to reside to the time of his passing.

Jim was employed at Husky Oil Company and also Marathon Oil Company where he retired in 1999.

A lover of the outdoors, Jim found peace and contentment in nature, particularly in the quiet beauty of the North Fork in Cody and the Boulder River in Big Timber, Montana. Fishing and camping was not only a hobby but a cherished time to be with his family. He also made several trips to Burwell, Nebraska, to fish in the Calamus Lake with his friend Bob Vergara and Dann Wagner. One of Jim's greatest pleasures in life was being a grandfather to his two grandsons Austin and James. His family meant everything to him, and he found immeasurable joy in their lives and accomplishments. Recently Jim had been blessed with a great-granddaughter, Quincy Jo, who not only has his blue eyes, but his spunky personality as well.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents James and Lydia Cunningham. He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his two sons Blain (Jenny) and Brian (Jeannie) as well as grandsons Austin (Shelby) and James and great-granddaughter Quincy Jo and sisters Linda Walker Sun City West, Arizona, and Patricia Blakeman of Coeur D' Alene, Idaho.

A graveside service will be held for Jim's friends and family on Jan. 31, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Crown Hill Cemetery in Powell.