James Eddy Cunningham, 81, of Waxahachie, Texas, passed away, at home, surrounded by family and love, Oct. 5, 2018.
Jim was born Oct. 9, 1936, to Felix and Ernestine Cunningham, in Paris, Texas.
He graduated from Paris High School in 1955, where he met the love of his life, Janice Jennings. They married Sept. 2, 1956, and had three fine daughters.
He graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 1959.
Jim was known for his kindness, even temperament and wisdom. Those characteristics were sorely needed in a home otherwise filled with females. Ironically, Jim spent his entire career as District Executive for Boy Scouts of America. Few people are as fortunate to spend their life in service to a cause they believe contributes to a better world. Jim became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank of scouting, at age 17, and served the Boy Scouts for 41 years before retiring.
His girls were spoiled at many Boy Scout camps as they grew up and delighted in acquiring skills unusual for that era, including building a fire and tying useful knots. Jim was known as the Old Pathfinder for his uncanny ability to never be lost and as “Flash” Cunningham for the thousands of photos he took at family gatherings.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jan, of 57 years; his youngest daughter, Barbara Jill; his parents; and his younger brother, Sam Cunningham.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Cunningham and Janice-Mary Volbrecht and her husband, Eric, all of Waxahachie; grandchildren, Andy Harris, of Paris, Texas, Heather and husband, Jacques Rougeux, of Borger, Texas and Tatiana Volbrecht, of Waxahachie; great-grandsons, Matthew Rougeux and James and Zachary Brunson, all, of Borger; sister-in-law, Barbara Robinson, of Dallas; nieces Samantha Ribble, of Paris and Beverly Costello, of Dallas; as well as numerous, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Services will be held Oct. 21, 2018, at 4 p.m., at Mt. Tabor Cemetary, Caviness, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Boy Scouts of America council or a charity of your choice.
