In Celebration of

James Christopher Cunningham

December 17, 1940 -  July 7, 2025


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim, on Monday July 7, 2025 at the age of 84. A master carpenter and cabinet maker by profession, and more importantly, a master storyteller.

Jim was born in Co. Leitrim, Ireland in 1940. He was one of seven children. He emigrated to London, England in 1958 at the age of 18. It was there that he undertook his formal training and apprenticeship. It was a also where he met his future wife of 63 years. Mary (a nurse at the local hospital), at an Irish club. They married in 1962.

After having worked for just about everyone (including the Beatles) and everywhere (including 10 Downing Street), Jim returned to Ireland in 1974 with Mary and their two children, Jacqueline (Jackie) and Christopher (Chris). They settled in Co. Tippperary where he built his young family a home and opened an antique and furniture shop with his brother-in-law Richard.

The family emigrated to Canada in 1980 where he plied his trade until his retirement. He was a genius with wood often fashioning tools “on the fly”.

He was a true and humble gentleman. He had a story for just about every occasion often surprising those listening about his role in the yarn. He was quick with a joke and had a nickname for everyone he ever met.

Jim was a family man with a deep and abiding faith and a love of his beloved wife Mary (Molly), his children, and later his two grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Mary, his daughter Jackie, son-in-law Joe, grandchildren Christopher and Ailish, his siblings Patricia and Rose, and his many nieces and nephews.

He will join his beloved son Chris, parents Edward and Ellen, and siblings Eddie, John Tom, Eileen and Jane in heaven.

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10, N of the QEW) on Friday July 18 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 921 Flagship Dr. Mississauga on Saturday July 19, 2025 at 11 a.m. Interment Assumption Cemetery. If desired, donation may be made to the Dorothy Ley Hospice.

Guestbook 

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Donna and Kevin Murphy (Friend)

Entered July 10, 2025 from Mississauga

To Jackie, Joe, Christopher, Ailish and Mrs. Cunningham,
We are so very sorry for your great loss and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you all in this very sad time and may he welcome your Dad/husband into his kingdom and reunite him with his loved ones who have gone before.
Love from Donna, Kevin, Matthew and Garrett XO

Augusto and Lisa Amatori (Family friend and relative of Jackie and Joe)

Entered July 11, 2025 from Milan, Italy

We're so sorry that Jim's storytelling days have come to an end. We enjoyed many dinners together filled with love and laughter. Our condolences to the Cunningham/Grittani families for the passing of such a good man.

Stephanie Amatori (Cousin to Christopher and Ailish, niece to Jackie and Joe)

Entered July 11, 2025 from Toronto

I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful grandfather and father. May he rest in peace.

Lori Dickerson (Friend of Jackie)

Entered July 11, 2025 from Mississauga

What a great man. Heaven has quite a comedian on their hands, he could make me laugh until my stomach hurt. You are so missed by your family and friends, you were one of a kind.

Josephine, Sean O'Connell (The one down the road.)

Entered July 11, 2025 from Lismolin, Ireland ���� .

Gone but never will be forgotten 🙏.
Jimmy Rest In Peace.
Sincere Sympathy to family and friends.
Thinking of you Mary, my true friend Jackie,
Christopher Ailish and Joe.

Photos 

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