James Corey Gunning

Jim was born to James and Marion Corey Gunning in Marlboro and raised in Somerville. At the age of 17, his high school education was interrupted by World War II. He bravely served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman First Class for the Philippine Sea Frontier. His name is listed on the city of the Somerville Honor Roll, a memorial to World War II veterans that stands outside Somerville City Hall. He returned to the U.S. and graduated from Somerville High School and went on to graduate from Northeastern University with a degree in accounting.

In 1951, Jim met Mary Jane at the company where they worked. Jim and Mary Jane married and had six children, Susan, Denise, Eileen, James Jr., Thomas and David.

In the early 1950’s, while working for American Biltrite, the word computer was mentioned. Jim was intrigued and began his long and illustrious career in technology beginning as a programmer and ending as the Director of Information Systems at Litton.

Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved his family and had a zest for life. He truly appreciated all that he had. He and Mary Jane raised their family in Stoneham where he was busy going to little league games, high school football games, school events and driving his children around in his 1965 VW Van. He and Mary Jane retired to Cape Cod and began a new chapter in their lives in the 1980’s. They loved dining out, having large family gatherings in their backyard, watching Boston sports teams and sitting on their porch. Jim worked in technology into his 80s. Jim was always painting, planting or hammering something and was always willing to pitch in and help anyone in his family who needed him. He also enjoyed being the judge and making speeches during family competitions including the annual chicken wing contest and golf tournament. He loved his grandchildren and delighted in spending time with them. He was very proud to be a great grandfather.

He was the loving father to Denise Frost and her husband James, Eileen Picazio and her husband Peter, James Gunning Jr. and his wife Ingrid, Thomas Gunning and his wife Delia and David Gunning. He is predeceased by his daughter Susan. He was the cherished grandfather of Nathan Smith and his wife Chrystal, Ryan Picazio, Steven Picazio and his wife Carolyn, Lindsay Frost, Allison Wilbur and her husband Liam, Elizabeth Gunning, Samantha Gunning and Cordelia Gunning. He was a devoted great grandfather to Cooper and Hudson Smith and Avery Wilbur. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held for family on Cape Cod. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Jimmy Fund - https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/Donation