James C. Cunningham 1954-2020

Jim was born Sept. 14, 1954, in Youngstown, the son of the late Norman and Janice Bott Cunningham.

He was a lifelong area resident, a graduate of Austintown Fitch High School, class of 1972, and received his associate degree from Youngstown State University in 1986.

Jim retired in 2019 from Highway Equipment Co., where he was its safety manager.

Jim was the first third-generation family member to serve as master of Sincerity Lodge No. 694 of the Masons, which later became part of the Niles McKinley Lodge No. 794. As a Mason, Jim was a member of all three bodies of York Rite, where he received the Knights of the York Cross of Honor.

Jim loved music and was a drummer at heart. He was a founding member and president of the Warren Junior Military Band Alumni Association and was a member of the Canfield Community Band. He also enjoyed classic rock music, traveling, muscle cars, drag racing and NASCAR.

One of the highlights of Jim’s life was attending the Bristol Motor Speedway. He also enjoyed following the Cleveland Indians and the Green Bay Packers.

Jim leaves his wife, the former Sharon Kochera, whom he married May 3, 1975; two daughters, Jodi (Chad McKay) Plevniak and Kari (Ben Myers) Cunningham, both of Carlisle, Pa.; five grandchildren, whom he adored and who called him “Papa,” Christopher Plevniak, Tarah Villers, Matthew Villers, Carly McKay and Aubrianna Myers; two sisters, Kim (Mark) Barabas of Lititz, Pa., and Jane Cunningham of Struthers; as well as several nieces and nephews, whom he truly loved.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at Lane Funeral Home, Boardman Chapel, where a celebration of Jim’s life will begin at 11 a.m.

Friends and family will be encouraged to share stories of how Jim influenced their lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Donald W. “Squire” Hurrelbrink Scholarship fund at YSU or to Angels for Animals, where Jim adopted his beloved Sophie.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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