James F. Cunningham

James F. Cunningham, Jr., age 75, passed away in the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts on Sunday, January 21, 2018. Born in Boston on April 14, 1942, he was the son of the late James F. and Alice C. (Landry) Cunningham. He spent his early years in Roslindale before his family settled in Sharon, Massachusetts in 1945, where in 1960, Jim graduated from Sharon High School. While in high school, Jim was a standout soccer and baseball player and received an offer from Stonehill College to play baseball, however, after graduation, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving his country. During his time in the Air Force, he completed the Radio Intercept Analysis Aide Course at the USAF Security Service School in Texas. He was honorably discharged in 1964, holding the rank of Airman 2nd Class.

Upon his return to Sharon, Jim found part time work with the Boston Globe and tending bar at McGovern's on Route 1 in Walpole. It was while working at McGovern's one night in 1965 that he met his wife to be, Anna M. Ciarrocchi. They were married on April 4, 1970 in Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole. In the late 1960s, Jim had earned a full-time position with the Boston Globe, driving delivery trucks, which allowed the young couple to settle in Walpole, where they raised their two sons, Jamie and Sean. Jim continued working at the Globe until his retirement in the Spring of 2004.

In his retirement, Jim loved spending time tinkering around his home. He spent countless hours outdoors, cultivating his vegetable garden and making sure the flower pots around his home were perfect. Jim also enjoyed feeding the birds, bringing them close to his home, while at the same time always found a way to keep the squirrels out of his yard. He was an avid Boston Sports Fan, who could be found cheering for all of his favorite local teams, especially the Red Sox. Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his grandchildren and always supported them in all of their sporting events.

Beloved husband of Anna M. (Ciarrocchi) Cunningham.
Loving father of James M. Cunningham and his wife Heather of Wrentham and Sean T. Cunningham and his wife Maeci of North Easton.
Cherished grandfather of Shea, Morgan, Finn, Willis, Noah, and Andrew.
Brother of Robert P. Cunningham and his wife Diana of Haddonfield, New Jersey, The Honorable Kevan J. Cunningham and his wife Sheila of Norton, the late Bernard D. Cunningham, and the late baby, Maura Cunningham.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Jim's Life Celebration on Friday, January 26, 2018 from 4 to 7 PM and Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 9 to 9:30 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Blessed Sacrament Church, 10 Diamond Street, Walpole on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to: The Walpole Area VNA, Attn: Finance Office, P.O. Box 252, Walpole, MA 02081.