A father's super steadfast love.! This photo says it all.

Papa had a special way of making me feel I was all his own - first and foremost, a position I will ALWAYS cherish.

Dad was 72 years old in this photo when he traveled over 3,000 miles to visit me after he learned I was sick unto death and had been hospitalized to have surgery.

The big thing is, I never mentioned to him that I was going to be hospitalized or require surgery. His natural intuition kicked in!

Papa knew out of "thin air" that something critical health wise was going on with me. He called my Aunt and asked her to call the local hospitals here, which she did, and she called Papa to tell him what hospital I was in.

After I woke up from a two-week medically-induced coma, the next person I actually knew was standing right beside my hospital bed. It was my Papa.

He and I always possessed a deep, spiritual, unspoken language of love that I will sorely miss between us. I never ever got a chance to dance with my father, like in Luther Vandross' lovely song, but one day I believe Papa and I will have that dance!

I'm so proud that God gave Papa time to make sure everything was correct between him and his Maker before God let him go to sleep.

We all lay him to his peaceful rest (without any issues) with the same class, finesse, order, and dignity that he always chose to live his entire life by.

"❤️ Good night, Sweet Prince. See you in the morning ❤️"

I wouldn't trade my earthly father for anything in this world God did good for having given me a father a leader a creator a builder an engineer he was my friend he was always there for me whenever I needed him until he couldn't any more due to unforseen personal circumstances in his life.  I love my memories of him and no one can take that away from me.  I'm alone now and I feel it my earthly father James Cunningham and mother Darnice Brown have transitioned to a different realm and as my father always said self preservation is key. I'm in self preservation mode at this point in my life and I'll keep my Father's Spirit alive in me.

James Cunningham was born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.

Although I didn’t grow up knowing or was closely connected to my father’s side of the family, my grandfather was never far from my heart. My mom would always speak about him, my dad, and my siblings while I was growing up, so I never forgot who he was. Even though my dad was never around, I always held on to hope that one day I could connect with that side of my family.

When I moved to Orlando, Florida, and found out my grandfather was here, I knew in my heart I wanted to reconnect. Since 2019, I had been in contact with him on and off, and I also had the chance to speak with his wife, Mrs. Iris. Even though I lived just minutes away, it took me some time to visit unfortunately, due to not being very familiar with my dad’s side of the family.

It wasn’t until my sister, who lives in North Carolina, told me that he had gone into hospice care that I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I went to see him.

Each time I visited, it was just me and him, and honestly, I cherished those quiet moments. I got to speak with him, kiss him, and tell him how thankful I was and how much I loved him. I also made sure others had their moments through me via FT: I let my mom (Yvonne) say her goodbyes, and my sisters, Marie and Nichelle, were able to speak to him, see him, and share their love as well. I gave him extra kisses on their behalf.

Besides my siblings, my grandfather was the last living piece of Matthew Cunningham, my father..that I had. Being near him, even in those final moments, reminded me of where I come from. It gave me a sense of peace, of closure, and connection to a part of my life that I’ve always carried in my spirit, even from a distance.



He lived a long, full life ,94 beautiful years. He left behind a legacy of strength and endurance. I’m grateful for the time I did get with him, and I’ll hold those moments close to my heart forever.

Granddad, you will be missed.
But you will never be forgotten.

With love,
Evita Davis (DC)

Dad came out to visit us in April 1968. I was ten years old at the time. I post this old photo of him in honor of his memory and long life. I love our father, James Cunningham.

"See you in the morning, Sweet Prince."

OBITUARY

James Cunningham

June 26, 1930 – May 23, 2025

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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