James A. Cunningham - Obituary

ames A. Cunningham passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, surrounded by his family in a room full of love in Annapolis Maryland. Following graduation, he began his career with NSA while attending college and awaiting active-duty orders Submarine Training School in New London CT. With draft notice in hand, He paused both his civil service career and college classwork while he reported for active duty in Norfolk, Virginia, assigned to the USSN submarine sea Leopard. Following his active-duty tour, Jim reported back to his position with NSA and completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland. Jim served in the Navy reserve simultaneously working for the department of defense and building his long-term career, serving our country, both military, and in civil roles. While he had many interesting projects and assignments during his NSA career, he was always proud of his military service and the time he spent building and maintaining relationships with the people he met while in the service. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Cunningham and Marjorie "Betty" Cunningham, his baby brother Harry Cunningham, and his recently departed beloved sister-in-law Joyce Cunningham Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart, Linda Frailer Cunningham, whom he married in September 1966. They were just two weeks shy of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by a daughter Kelley Cunningham Stefancik, (John) and a son Michael Cunningham (Samantha). He had enormous pride and love for all of his family but especially for his grandchildren Jackson Stefancik, Alexandra Stefancik, Kate Stefancik, Elizabeth Cunningham, and Elise Cunningham. All came to surround him with love and prayers in his final hours Jim is also survived by brothers Joseph Cunningham (Dianne), John Cunningham, and Patrick Cunningham (Jo Ann) and many nieces, nephews, and grandnephews joined in the vigil as well. So many other family members and friends offered their love and prayers during this difficult time, and we know he could feel the love for him, and he will look out for each of us in his new role. A Mass of the Resurrection will be offered on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10:30 am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 620 N. Bestgate Rd., Annapolis, MD 21401. The Mass will be livestreamed by using the following link found HERE. Inurnment with military honors will follow at 1 pm at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Rd., Crownsville, MD 20732. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105. Online Click Here I May the perpetual light shine upon his soul and please finish the rest of that prayer.