Joseph James "Jimmy" Cunningham

Joseph James “Jimmy” Cunningham

                 1935 – 2019

Jimmy Cunningham of Miramichi passed away at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the age of 84.

Born in Loggieville, on August 14, 1935, was the son of the late John and Lillian (Comeau) Cunningham.  As far back as he could remember, he sang and was always learning new country songs even as a child.  He taught himself to play the guitar at an early age and had a deep love for the traditional country music that was played on the radio.  Through the years he formed and played with many country bands including Jimmy and Janitors, The Blue Tones, The In Crowd, River Men, Two and One, Just Four and New Creation.  Jimmy dedicated his life to playing everything from old time Rock & Roll, to Country and in later years to Christian and Gospel.  He was well known for his musical contributions to “Old Home Week & Pioneer Days” and even created the theme song for these events.

He was a member of the New Brunswick country music Hall of Fame, Choir Director of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Cursillo Movement, member of the Knights of Columbus, past President CCB Club and CNIB (Canadian Council of the Blind). 

Anyone who knew Jimmy, will know that he was a proud member of the Alcoholics Anonymous and he made many friends there in his 46 plus years.  Jimmy was a kind and gentle soul who would give his last dime to help someone and had an incredible sense of humor.

He is survived by two daughters: Sharon Depres (Francis) of Baie Ste Anne and Cindy Babkirk (Wayne) of Miramichi; one son Michael Cunningham (Penny) of Miramichi; eight grandchildren: Lilly, Matthew, Andrea, Mitchell, Brendon, Hayley, Jamie and Amber; three great grandchildren Nicole, Hailee and Dylan.   He was predeceased by his parents and son Ricky.

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial was held from St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 11 am with Father John Fraser as Celebrant.  Music for the service was provided by Norma Sugden and St. Andrew’s Choir and the hymns were “Here I Am, Lord”, “The Lord is My Shepherd”, “I, The Lord”, “Blessings on Eagle’s Wings” and the recessional hymn was “Be Not Afraid”.  Special music “A Closer Walk with Thee” was sung by New Creation and “Gentle Ragman” was played from recorded music of Jimmy Cunningham.  The scripture readings was read by Andrea Rozee and Leo Leblanc. 

Honorary pallbearers were Doug MacDonald, Leo Leblanc, Gerald Morrison, Dan Valin, John Aubey, Paul Duplessie, Edison Russell, Omer Pineau and Al Fraser.  Pallbearers were Walter O'Toole, Bill Nowlan, Elphege Theriault, Roger Morris, Joe Howe and Lynn Gregan.  Burial will be held in St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cemetery later in the spring.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis, CNIB or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492 or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

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