James J. Cunningham Jr.

James Joseph Cunningham Jr, 70, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, passed away on 11 October 2026. Born in Lancaster in April of 1956 to Margerie and James Cunningham. Jim spent much of his childhood moving throughout the United States as his father served in the US Air Force. These early experiences helped shape his lifelong curiosity, love of travel, and natural ability to make friends wherever he went. He attended Conestoga Valley High School and later Villanova University. Jim worked in various sales positions throughout his professional life, spending much of his career with John Deere.

Jim was the eldest of four children, a role he embraced with equal measures of affection, humor, and good-natured mischief. He took particular delight in teasing each of his siblings, always finding a way to share a laugh or keep them on their toes. Beneath the playful ribbing was a deep and enduring love for his family. He was a devoted son who remained steadfast in his care for his parents, making certain they were always supported.

Jim possessed a larger-than-life personality, an unmistakable sense of style, and an effortless charm that could light up any room. He was the life of the party, a natural storyteller, and a man who appreciated a good joke and an even better laugh. He was the kind of person everyone seemed to know, and those who didn't invariably wanted to. Yet beneath his charisma and humor was a grounded, compassionate, and deeply generous man. He cultivated enduring friendships and was a constant in the lives of those who knew him, someone who could always be counted on to offer a helping hand, a reassuring word, or a moment of laughter, even during life's more difficult times.

An accomplished athlete, Jim excelled in football, basketball, volleyball, and track. His competitive spirit and love of athletics remained with him throughout his life, particularly through his passion for golf. He cherished the game, its traditions, the friendships it fostered, and the countless hours spent on the course (and the 19th hole). He also maintained a lifelong love of the outdoors, travel, and time spent on the water.

Jim's greatest pride and joy was his family. As the father of four sons, he instilled in his boys a love of adventure, a curiosity about the natural world, and a deep appreciation for sailing, fishing, and boating. More importantly, he raised them with a strong sense of integrity, compassion, humility, and responsibility. Through his example, he taught his sons not only how to become good men, but also how to be loving and devoted fathers. He made certain they always knew they were loved and understood the importance of extending that same love to others.

Perhaps no role brought Jim greater happiness than being Pop-Pop to his eight beloved grandchildren, affectionately known as his "nixies." He was passionately devoted to each of them, taking immense pride in their lives and accomplishments. He loved his nixies more than air itself and treasured every opportunity to share in their adventures, laughter, and milestones.

Throughout his life, Jim was a fixture in the lives of family and friends alike. He carried himself with style and grace, lived generously, laughed wholeheartedly, and never hesitated to be there for the people he loved. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless lives made richer by his presence.

Jim is survived by His parents Marge Z. and James J. Cunningham Sr; his partner Judy L. Siviglia, his four sons, Shane R. Forrey, Chad M. Forrey, Ian P. Cunningham, J. Conor Cunningham their families, and their mother Kerry L. Cunningham; his eight grandchildren; his brother, Terrence P. Cunningham and his family. He was preceded in death by his sister Kathleen M. Cunningham and brother David S. Cunningham.

There will be a service at St Mary's Catholic Church at 10:00 Saturday 24 October (119 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603) celebration of Jim's life will follow the service at Meadia Heights Golf Club on 24 October from 1:00-4:00. Donations honoring Jim can be made to the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation (of which he was an avid member) at https://www.conestogavalleyef.org/donate.php