James A. Cunningham

James A. Cunningham was born to Wence H. and Rosie Lee Cunningham, Sr. on December 8,1938 in Blytheville,Arkansas. James and Beatrice Taylor were joined in holy matrimony on April 13,1985. In this union came two beautiful  children, Chassity and Courtney Cunningham.

James was honorably discharged from the United States Marines. James retired from General Motors in 1996 after thirty-five plus years. James was an avid sports fan. He loved to sit in his favorite chair watching News or sports. If he wasn't watching the news or sports; he was talking News or Sports.

James formerly was a long-time member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. He was a faithful member at Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. U.P. Williams. He served on the Usher Board and sang with the Men's Chorus at Shiloh. He was a member of UAW. James loved spending time with family and friends. He took much pride in being a part of the "Cunningham" Clan. He selflessly took care of his wife, children, and grandchildren. James didn't say it, but he was the chauffeur for his wife Betrice, her "Lover" (as she affectionately called him), taking her all over the city to run errands, go to church, buy meals, and shopping. James would patiently wait for Beatrice to finish doing what she had to do. He may not have said it openly to the public, but everyone knew that James loved him some Beatrice Cunningham. 

James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Beatrice, 4 daughters, Bridget E. Cunningham,Harper of Denver CO., Evivian A. Quick of Aurora,CO., Lourdes(Monique)Flint of Indianapolis,IN., Chassity(Jeremy)Riddle of Danville, IL. 3 sons James C. Cunningham of Aurora,CO., Erik M.(Dianna)Cunningham of Denver, CO., Courtney Cunningham of Danville, IL.,
17 Grandchildren, 5 Great Grandchildren, 5 sisters Ernestine Boards of Detroit, MI., Emma(Ronald)Singleton of Canton,OH., Rosetta Cunningham, Elizabeth(Steve)Carruth, Joann Cunningham all of Danville,IL., 3 brothers Roosevelt(Leslie) Cunningham, Nathaniel(Teresa)Cunningham all of Danville,IL., Wence Cunningham Jr. of Brandon FL., his long time best friend Albert Coleman, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents Wence H and Rosie Cunningham, Sr.,his oldest daughter Angelic K. Cunningham, 5 grandchildren, 3 brothers and 6 sisters.
 

A private Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 noon on Wednesday March 3, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 304 E. Williams St., Danville. Officiating Pastor U. Pete Williams. A private visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. 

A public viewing will be held on Tuesday March 2, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Due to CDC regulations, attendance restrictions will be enforced.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James A. Cunningham, please visit our floral store.