James Cunningham, 75, of the Clarksburg section of Millstone Township and Jensen Beach, Fla., passed away on Aug. 19, 2014, at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Jim was born in New York City in 1938. He and his brother Charlie spent the majority of their childhood at Mount Loretto, a Catholic orphanage for boys in Staten Island, N.Y. Once recognized by Fr. Kenny as loyal and dedicated young men, he and his close friends were honored with the coveted title “Barno’s.” This allowed them to work on the farm with the animals. He cherished the opportunity and always held the relationships and mentoring he received there very close to his heart. At age 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and excelled into a position with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper. Jim was married to Eunice (Schaaf) Cunningham in Staten Island in 1962 on the steps of Mount Loretto Church. The iconic location was later used in “The Godfather.” He coached Pop Warner youth football in Staten Island until he moved to Millstone in 1965. He quickly became a cherished member of the Millstone community. Jim had a long career as a steamfitter/welder with union Local 9 and New York Local 638. He always endeavored to give back to the community — a passion he and Eunice passed on to their children. He was a founding member of the Millstone Elks Lodge BPOE No. 2613 and dedicated to many of its charitable works. Throughout those years, he and Eunice were focused on helping handicapped children. Jim was known as an honest and caring gentleman who always reached out to help family, friends and strangers. He touched the lives of so many people. He made it a point to always fly the American flag at the Cunningham home. His hobbies included golf and fishing. Jim is survived by his wife Eunice, his four children, Michael Cunningham and his wife, Ellen, James Cunningham and his wife, Gina, Amy Cunningham and Kristen Cunningham; five grandchildren, Jameson, Logan, Connor, Cassidy and Aidan; and his nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Cunningham and Helen Young; his daughter, Kathleen Mary (Casey); his brother, Charles; and sister, Diane. There will be a memorial for Jim in Millstone later this year. An announcement will be circulated in the near future. The family of James Cunningham wishes to thank all those who have reached out to comfort us when we hurt the most. Also, we would like to thank the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., for their kind and professional assistance during a difficult time.
