JAMES T CUNNINGHAM JR, of Groton, CT passed away at home Monday, November 13, 2013, at the age
of 80.
James (Jimmy) was born July24, 1943 inNewLondon, CT to James TCunningham and Marcella Doherty Cunningham.
Jimmyleaves behind his wife Diane Cunningham, his three children, sons Robert Cunningham and his fiancée Shelly Volpe of Groton, Ricky Cunningham, and daughter Sherry Cunningham at home.
Grandson, Kyle Cunningham-Volpe and great grandson Desmin Cunningham-Volpe also of Groton.
Brother, Thomas Cunningham and his wife Pam of Winter Haven, FL.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, Ted Cunningham of Winter Haven FI, Lori Dozier of Norwich, Theresa Cunningham of Winter Haven FL, Sarah Siaca of Winter Haven FL, Kevin Loper of New London, Michael Loper of Waterford, William Cunningham of Largo FI, Uncle William (Bill) &Aunt Lydia Baborsky of Bozrah, brother-in-law AL Loper of NewLondon, sister-in-law- Pat Cunningham ofLisbon and their families.
Jimmy was predeceased by both his parents, his brothers William Cunningham and Theodore Cunningham, his sister Elizabeth (Betty Ann) Loper, nephews Alan Loper and Brian Cunningham.
Jimmy worked as a rigger at Electric Boatfor 43 years, was anavid fisherman andalso a nascar fan.
He loved to be on his boat, and always welcomed friends and family to come aboard. Whether it was to fish, or just for a ride, he always enjoyed their company. Jimmy passed alonghis love for fishing and boating to his oldest son Bobby, theyspent many times together on his boat.
As per his wishes, his ashes will be scattered out in the race on an outgoing tide. There wil be a Celebration of Life this coming Spring
Sharry am so sorry for your loss of your dad
Jimmy you are going to be missed by any all that knew you, you were just that kind of a guy. We are going to miss you even more on our visits to Connecticut. We always looked forward to seeing you and going out on the boat. I will miss the phone calls, where you asked Tommy if the “pain in the ass” was there, you always made me laugh. Rest in peace !
Going to miss this guy greatly. He’s my big brother and did a great job at that. Jimmy taught me a lot. He was was always there to listen to me. He bought Teddy and I our first bicycles. He took us for car rides, taught us how to drive. Went to the speedbowl to watch uncle Ted Stack ( track champion a several times) . Jimmy drove at that track as well and made a lot of friends there. He helped one of his best friends ( Gordon Page ) with his race car. And his favorite thing, boating. He started boating when he was in his early teens. There’s a lot of fish stories and water activities …