Jim was the son of the late Archibald and Ina (McCulloch) Cunningham. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 19, 1941. Jim moved to Cornwall, Ontario in his early 20’s. Jim met his first wife Jenny (nee Williams) in Ontario. They returned to her home in England to be married and eventually moved to Sydney where they raised their sons. He met and married his second wife, Bea in 2011 and moved to Lake Ainslie where he lived, loved, and enjoyed the last years of his life.
Jim held numerous jobs throughout his life. He worked for the County of Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. He was also the Chief Financial Officer for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital until he retired to the private sector.
Jim was a devout Catholic and an active parish member of the Stella Maris in Inverness, Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River and Sacred Heart, George St, Sydney throughout his life. He volunteered extensively with Bereaved Families of Cape Breton. He was always willing to help someone when they needed it. His intelligence, wisdom and guidance, and great sense of humour were always welcomed.
Through his struggle with alcohol addiction and his involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous he was helped by many people and had the opportunity to help many others who struggled with addiction through the years. Jim took great pride in his work with Alcoholics Anonymous, was a firm believer in the program, and treasured the lifelong friendships he made through AA.
Jim is survived by his wife Bea, sons Owen (Janice) Sydney, Blair (Paula) Wisconsin, and stepdaughter Kimberly (Glen) Margaree. He was an amazing grandad to Jacqueline, Katie, Nathan, Jessica, Michael, Jason, Briana, Ryan, Lydia and Tom and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews who thought the world of him. He was predeceased by his first wife Jenny, brothers Teddy and Archie, and stepdaughter Susan.
We wish to thank all the doctors and nurses and home care support workers who provided compassionate care to Jim during his last days.
Visitation will take place at T W Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral mass will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 11am with Fr. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Those wishing may attend the service virtually by watching the livestream on TW Curry’s facebook page. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. Interment to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.
Throughout his life Jim gave generously to many favourite charities. Memorial donations to a charity of your choice are welcome.
