- Date Of Birth: March 15, 1937
- Date Of Death: October 23, 2022
- State: Arizona
Jim Cunningham, 85, passed at his home on October 23, 2022 after a protracted battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. In his final hours of life, he was surrounded by his loving wife and family who gave him a proper Irish farewell with songs and prayers.
Jim was born March 15, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest son of James and Delia Cunningham. He attended St. Mary’s High School and graduated in 1954. He married Judith Cecilia Hurley on September 1, 1956, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Jim and Judy began dating when they were 15 years old and were part of each other’s lives for 70 years. They enjoyed a committed and loving marriage and an adventurous life together. They loved to dance, travel, and host great family celebrations at their house. Jim is survived by his five children, Jamie (Kathy), Sean (Marla), Sheila (Kent), Matt, Bridget Costello (Alan), his 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, his brothers Eddie and John, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents Jim and Delia, his sisters Joan Ann, Noreen Garrison, Maggie Hyland, and his grandson Conor Costello.
Words alone cannot adequately describe the greatness of this man and the positive impact he had upon his community, the world around him, and the people he touched. Jim was committed to his family, faith, career as an attorney, and Irish culture. He modeled his life after the Gospel teachings of Christ. Jim and Judy started their life together at age 19 from simple beginnings. Through hard work, Judy’s unwavering support, Jim’s natural talents, he achieved great stature as one of Arizona’s top personal injury lawyers. His victories as an attorney are too many to mention. What guided him in his success was his value system. Standing up for the downtrodden, the injured, and the grieving. He was their Champion. What most defined Jim as a lawyer was his compassion towards his clients. If he told a client, “I’m going to help you,” he never gave up on their case, and gave them the same amount of effort and expenditure of resources no different than if they were a member of his own family. Jim loved being a lawyer and saw the practice as virtuous.
Jim was unmatched in generosity. There wasn’t a time that if someone in need presented themselves or came across his path that he didn’t provide assistance, lend a hand, or offer a solution. He provided space rent free in his law office building to a Catholic nun who collected clothing and food for the homeless and the poor which she distributed throughout the Valley. Whenever Jim was walking from his office to the courthouse and encountered someone who was homeless or in need, whatever denomination of currency that touched his hand is what he gave to this person. His life is full of examples of generosity and compassion where he helped and lifted people up who were challenged financially or by any other type of difficult situation.
Paramount to his life was his family. He was a committed and loving husband to Judy, who nurtured and loved Jim throughout his years of illness as he declined from the effects of Alzheimer’s. Their love and commitment to each other is an example to all married couples. He glowed with pride over the achievements of his five kids and grandchildren. He was a shepherd who did all he could to rescue his eldest grandson who predeceased him in death. He lived his life ethically and honorably and modeled well for his family. He was a voracious reader possessing an inquisitive mind with opinions and thoughts on nearly every topic. He was a prolific writer with a lifetime of letters to Popes, Presidents, Congressmen, and Mayors on issues of the day. He was well grounded in his faith in God and guided by the ethos of “to whom much has been given, much is expected in return.” He often pondered and reflected on how does one achieve a deeper faith and union with God.
He loved his Irish roots. His parents Jim and Delia immigrated to the United States in 1921. After moving from Chicago, they arrived in Arizona in 1947. Jim’s father started the first Irish American club in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 1940’s known as the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Jim continued his father’s legacy and love for all things Irish and was President of the Irish American Social Club through the 1970’s. In 1984 Jim spearheaded the creation of the first ever St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration down Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona, which continues today. He was instrumental in the creation of Phoenix’s Irish Cultural Center and worked throughout his adult years to promote the Irish culture in Arizona. He had a great zest for life, singing Irish songs, dancing with his wife, daughters, and grandkids at family celebrations, and riding his horses. Needless to say, the world is a better place because of the time that Jim was in it. It is not a stretch to say that everything Jim touched, he made better.
The Cunningham family wishes to give a special thank you to Jim’s three care providers, Sue, Maryanne, and Pri who cared for Jim as he fell into the darkness of Alzheimer’s with dignity, love, and compassion. We would also like to express our appreciation for Hospice of the Valley for their love and compassion during Jim’s final days.
