Jim was born on January 30, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, to parents James and Ednah Cunningham. At age three, Jim moved to Westbrook, ME, to be closer to family while his father served in the US Navy Seabees. After graduating from Westbrook High School, he attended Tufts University on a Naval ROTC scholarship, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy. At Tufts, Jim met his wife, Loretta. They were married on October 22, 1960, and welcomed two children, Kathleen and James.
Jim served in the US Navy, both active and reserves, for eight years. After completing his active military service, Jim worked as an electrical engineer for Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the Oceanic Undersea Division in Annapolis for nearly 30 years.
After retiring, Jim served his community as a full-time volunteer. He especially enjoyed time on the water as a Reserve Officer for the Natural Resources Police, as a diver and feeder of sting rays for the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and captaining the Miss Anne, particularly when he was able to introduce visitors to their first boat rides. Jim was also an active member of the Annapolis Yacht Club, where he served as Secretary and member of the race committee. Off the water, Jim and Loretta visited their children and grandchildren often and successfully travelled to all 50 states.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, James and Ednah Cunningham. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Loretta, and children Kathleen (Martin) of Austin, TX, and James (Mary Kirk) of Leesburg, VA, and grandchildren Caitlin, Caroline and Matthew Otto and James and Robert Cunningham. He’s forever cherished and remembered as a loving, loyal, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 9:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or to a charity of your choosing.
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