James Allen Cunningham

James Allen Cunningham was born July 1,1927 in Samnorwood, Texas to parents Tom and Cordie Cunningham. He was peacefully and swiftly called home by the Lord, on Sunday, May 28, 2017, in Plano, Texas. He was 89 years old.

James attended and graduated valedictorian from Samnorwood High School, and continued his education at Texas Tech University, where he received a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Education and a Master’s Degree in School Administration. James proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper in World War II and went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves. While attending Texas Tech, James met the beautiful woman who would become his loving wife, Faye Neeley. James and Faye married June 2, 1951 in Wellington, Texas, and were just shy of celebrating 66 years of marriage.

James began his career in Whiteface, Texas as a teacher and coach, and was later hired to serve as superintendent of Whiteface ISD. James moved his family to Spearman, Texas in 1968, continuing his career as the superintendent of Spearman ISD, where he diligently served for 17 years until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement from the school system, James and Faye worked together with Cunningham Insurance Agency as representatives for Germania Insurance until 1999.

James loved life! He never met a stranger. It has been said about him, “that if you dropped him in the middle of the Sahara Desert, he would know someone there.” He loved God, his country, his family, and his community. Living in Spearman, Texas for 45 years, he believed in working and volunteering to make where he was a better place; and that is how he chose to live his life.

James was active in many volunteer activities throughout his life. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Spearman serving as treasurer, deacon, on pastoral committees, traveling on mission trips, as well as other capacities, for over 40 years. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club for over 50 years, serving a year as District Governor, and he received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his contributions; this is the most prestigious award presented to a Lions Club Member. He served on the Spearman Chamber of Commerce Board, the Hansford County Red Cross Board, the O’Loughlin Center Board, as well as the Library Board, to name a few. One of James’ greatest honors and joy was serving as the Master of Ceremony at Spearman’s annual Veteran’s Day Celebration each year!

As an avid educator and supporter of students and teachers, he was instrumental in establishing the Retired Teachers Association of Hansford County. He was on the ground floor of establishing the H & H Credit Union and served on the board. James volunteered his time with the Big Brother Program. He also served as an announcer for the Spearman football games and was recognized as “Fan of the Year” for his outstanding attendance and support of academic and athletic events. James was recognized as Spearman’s “Citizen of the Year” in 2007 for the volunteer work and support he gave to this community, which he dearly loved, and always touted “was the greatest place in the world!” James was also an avid golfer. He participated in Pampa’s Senior Tournament every year beginning in 1982 until he was no longer able, just a few years ago. He was recognized with the Colonel Bogey Award by the Tri-State Senior Golf Association for his contributions to golf in the Panhandle. He played an important role in the care of the Hansford County Golf Course and kept it up and running. This is where you could find him and Faye almost every day of the year; if the weather didn’t stop them.

James had the great opportunity to participate twice in the Great American Race, traveling with his brother-in-law Zeke Neeley. He loved being outdoors, golfing, hunting pheasant, and fishing. He also enjoyed being with family and friends; sharing stories (most likely “stretched” a little), laughing, being in charge, and addressing crowds. If there was a microphone around (or even if there wasn’t), you could count on hearing from James Cunningham, also lovingly referred to as “Mr. C.”.

James is survived by his wife, Faye Neeley Cunningham, of Plano, Texas; son, Mark T. Cunningham and wife, Suzanne, of Dallas, Texas; granddaughter Regan Cunningham Miles, and husband, Brandon, of Fort Worth, Texas, grandson, Dr. Austin Cunningham, of Dallas, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Noah Miles and Emery Miles, of Fort Worth, Texas; his sister, Ravena Cunningham McBrayer, and husband, Jody, of Amarillo, Texas and his brother, George Cunningham, of Slaton, TX. James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas R. and Cordie Cunningham, and son, Allen Ray Cunningham.

We would like to express heartfelt gratitude to our Silverado Memory Care family, for the love, compassion, care, and life that they have provided to James for almost three years.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 P.M. Friday, June 2, 2017 at Hunters Glen Baptist Church, 4001 Custer Rd., Plano, Texas 75023 followed by a 2:00 P.M. funeral service.

James will be laid to rest Monday, June 5, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, James would have encouraged you to make a donation to the Texas Lions Camp, www.lionscamp.com, or your favorite charity.