12/31/1931 – 9/20/2016
Graduated from Lincoln Christian college with his bachelor of arts degree in theology. He was ordained as a minister in 1951 then began his ministry.
He preached at many churches in Illinois before moving to Omaha Nebraska in 1963. He became senior pastor at Florence Christian church where he ministered for over 25 years. He lived his life serving the lord and bringing others to know Him too. During his ministry he performed over 2,000 funerals, hundreds of weddings and baptized hundreds of people.
He had a passion for life which included God, family, friends, riding motorcycles, and flying a small private airplane. He took several long trips on his Kawasaki, BMW and Harley Davidson across the USA and Canada. While riding he would hum the tune to How Great Thou Art while enjoying the scenery. Everyone that knew him knew he had an amazing sense of humor and told several jokes again and again.
He was an active member of the North Omaha Kiwanis, gave gallons of blood to the Red Cross. He served on many committees, charities and was an elder at Kingsway Christian church.
He and his wife Blanche celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this summer.
His love humor and kindness touched everyone that met him.
Survived by wife Blanche, children James R. (Cindy) Cunningham, Vicki Anderson, 5 granddaughters Jennifer Andrade, Jacquie Cunningham, Brooke Whitfield, Morgan Anderson, Haley Cehura, 3 great grandsons Ethan, Gavin, Colin Andrade, great granddaughter Dagny Whitfield, sisters Waunita Benton (Don), Mary Ruth Florence, step sister Rhea Martincic, many family & friends. Preceded in death by son David Lee Cunningham, parents James & Marjorie Cunningham, step mother Hilda Cunningham, step sister Eva Quinn.
Visitation Friday 5-7 PM at Roeder Mortuary 2727 N. 108th Street Omaha, NE. Funeral Service Saturday (9/24/16) 10:00 AM at Kingsway Christian Church 1106 S. 139th St. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorials Kingsway Christian Church.
Jim and his youth group at Florence Christian Church were involved in activities with our youth group at Capitol City Christian Church in Lincoln and Camp of the Risen Son in Louisville, NE. What a loving, caring, listening, funny, and strong man of God he was to me as a young teen. What beautiful memories I have of him. Blessings to his family at this time of great loss.
Thirty two years ago this week I met Jim Cunningham He did a service for my father-in-law Emery Stoops from that day on Jim become like family, He has been there for the services of several of our family members and also married my granddaughter He was careing kind understanding just a wonderful true friend His kindness will never be forgotten He will be very missed and loved. Marge Stoops and family
Mr. C was one of the first men of God that I knew. He baptized me when I was 7. He raised me in Christ. I had an opportunity to work for him as church secretary at FCC for a short time, and his patience was unlimited. He taught me that when I was experiencing more trials than usual, I was probably closer to God than I realized. Even though his honesty was sometimes something I may not have wanted to hear, I always knew I could get a straight answer from him. His influence and encouragement made me the Christian woman and musician I am today. I daresay I learned to ride a motorcycle in part from watching Mr. C ride his! He was fearless! I thank God for the teachings of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham and that He put them in my life for so many years.
Jim married my husband and I, and many of my siblings through the years; he also helped us through tough times with the loss of many family members. His kindness and humor will never be forgotten. We were so blessed to have him as our pastor and friend. Praying that you will find comfort in your memories of him.
With very mixed emotions we note the passing of one of the best friends a person could have. Jim and I were especially close while Connie and I lived in Omaha. While I served in Vietnam in 1968-69, Jim was a constant correspondent. We exchanged tapes rather than write letters and it was like having him there with me at times. We worked together in several capacities at the Florence Christian Church and I even rode in an airplane he flew. Over the years we saw each other less than we would have liked, but after relocating to Nebraska in 2000, Connie and I, along with other friends from Florence occasionally met Jim and Blanche in Omaha for a meal and trip down “Memory Lane” which was a blessing. I say “Mixed Emotions” as we Christians look forward to the day we can leave this earth to reside with our risen Savior and all pains, troubles, ills, etc., are gone. Jim is and will be missed by all who knew and loved him and Omaha is poorer for his departure. He was the epitome of the word “Pastor” and many were blessed by his attention to them in their time of need. Jim is gone, but his memories will live within us until we join him. Farewell Dear Friend !!