James C. Cunningham

James C. Cunningham, 65, of Austintown passed away on Friday evening, January 10, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital Boardman Campus. Jim was born September 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 Company where he was their Safety Manager. Jim was the first 3rd generation family member to serve as Master of Sincerity Lodge #694 of the Masons which later became part of the Niles McKinley Lodge #794. As a Mason Jim was a member of all 3 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 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 from 10 to 11 AM Saturday January 18, 2020 at the Lane Funeral Home, Boardman Chapel, where a Celebration of Jim’s life will begin at 11 AM. 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.