Obituary of James Harris Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, James Harris – It is with very sad hearts that we announce the passing of Jim on December 24, 2016 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his devoted wife of 48 years Melody Ann Wurster and loving daughter Erin. Beloved brother-in-law of Diana Cunningham and uncle of Mitchell (Corinna) Cunningham, Mark (Chris) Cunningham, Cyndi Cunningham and Katie (Darren) Macoretta. Also survived by his uncle Jack Reid, cousin Jane Dulong and many great nieces and nephew. Jim will be missed by his trusty sidekick Brodie, and other dogs Pepe and Dexter. Jim is predeceased by his parents Harris Joseph Cunningham and Constance Jean Reid and brother Paul Reid Cunningham. Jim was born in St. Catharines on March 3, 1945. He was a member of the first graduating class of Sir Winston Churchill in 1964, and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University in 1967. He went on to receive his CA degree while working with Price Waterhouse in Toronto in 1970. During his years in Toronto he also worked for Rio Algom Mines and Traders Group. He returned to St. Catharines in 1979 where he joined his brother Paul in the running of Cunningham Foundry, a business which had been in the family since 1867. He became principle owner in 1988 after the death of his brother. Jim sold the foundry in 1995 and retired for the first time, after which he spent time working at Trenergy Inc. and Pinders. Jim was a very proud Rotarian and past president of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore. He was also a long-time curling member at the St. Catharines Golf & Country Club. He had a life-long love of cars and especially enjoyed owning his 1952 MG TD. He will be remembered by his many friends for his great sense of humour and generosity. His family would like to thank Dr. Peter Hyatt and his wife Andrea, Dr. Chris Blewett, Dr. Radhika Yelamanchili and the staff at the Walker Family Cancer Centre for their excellent care of Jim over the years. A special thank you to the 3B Oncology wing at the St. Catharines hospital and staff and volunteers of the Stabler Centre at Hospice Niagara for their compassionate care of Jim during his final months. Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St Catharines on Thursday, December 29th from 2-4p.m. & 7-9p.m. A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, December 30th at 11a.m. in the funeral home chapel. In remembrance of Jim, donations may be made to Hospice Niagara or the Rotary International Foundation.