James Franklin Cunningham Jr.
April 12th, 1929 - April 27th, 2009
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James Franklin's Obituary
James Franklin Cunningham Jr., 80, of South Haven, peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, in his home surrounded by family, on Saturday, April 26, 2009. He waged a valiant and courageous battle against cancer and came close to winning.
“Junior”, was born April 12, 1929 in Egypt, Mississippi, being the first born of James and Lillian Cunningham. He spent his youth in Aberdeen, Mississippi and Hughes, Arkansas with his four younger siblings: Fred, Morris, Georgia and Joseph.
He was nurtured within a, close-knit extended family that instilled core values within him. Those values include a good work ethic, self-reliance and pride in his family heritage.
James was a master builder who constructed two homes and assisted with many others in the areas. He was employed by Bohn Aluminum for more than thirty years and after retiring he worked for the South Haven Housing Commission until becoming ill in 2008.
He married Gertrude Shanks, November 4, 1945 and produced eight children, Elder James (Kate) Cunningham of Lansing, Michigan, Pastor Fred (Eva) Cunningham, Pastor Ralph (Bernie) Cunningham, both of South Haven, Michigan, Elder Rocky (Lorraine) Cunningham of Covert, Michigan, Louretta (John) Powell, Darnell Cunningham, Missionary Charlotte Cunningham, Leon (Philomena) Cunningham – all of South Haven, Michigan.
James later married, Helen Robinson, resulting in a son, Richard Cunningham of South Haven, Michigan. On November 17, 1977, he married, Bennie R. Smith, resulting in a son, Franklin Cunningham of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
James rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and now we look forward to seeing him again – in a glorified body that cancer destroy.
Wake will be Monday, May 4 from 11 – 12 at the Greater Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 P.M. at the church with Bishop Fred L. Cunningham Eulogizing. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.
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