James P. Cunningham

James P. (Jimmy) Cunningham

Catonsville MD, formerly of Midland, MD

Born in Cumberland, MD December 10, 1964, died March 18, 2025 at Gilchrist Hospice Center in Towson, MD at the Age of 60 after battling cancer for the last 12 months.

Jimmy was the son of Michael J. Cunningham and the late Sally Cunningham and was raised in Midland, MD, and has resided in Catonsville for the last 35 years.

In addition to his mother, he is predeceased by his wife Tracey L. Cunningham and his nephew Shawn P. Cunningham.

Alongside his father, he is survived by his beloved children, Ashlyn M. Cunningham and Evan J. Cunningham of Catonsville, MD, and his dear friend, Kim Fisher of Brunswick, MD. Kim brought immense joy and happiness into his life, a sentiment evident to all who knew him.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Mary Susan Cunningham, Westminster, Krista Ennis/Tom, Catonsville, Cathy Kirby/Kevin, Finksburg, Brothers Pat Cunningham/Anna, Cumberland, MD and Mickey Cunningham/Mary Kay, Jupiter, Florida.   He is also survived by nieces, Amanda Sweedler/Jason, Megan Cunningham/Alex Barry, Sarah St. Vincent/Ricky, and Katherine Ennis, Maggie Kirby and nephews Brian Cunningham, Michael Ennis, Daniel Ennis, Aidan Kirby and Gavin Callahan, and 4 great nieces and 2 great nephews.

Jimmy graduated from Bishop Walsh High School in 1982, where he played four years of football and baseball. In his senior year, he was honored as the Most Outstanding Player in both sports. His athletic achievements were later recognized with his induction into the Bishop Walsh Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.

He went on to attend Frostburg State University, earning a degree in Cartography. While at Frostburg, he was a four-year starter on the baseball team and formed many lifelong friendships.

Jimmy’s love for sports ran deep. He was a devoted fan of the Orioles and Ravens, but his greatest passion was for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He was a proud “subway alum,” a love he inherited from his father. Rarely seen without a ballcap, more often than not, it was a Notre Dame cap—a symbol of his unwavering loyalty to his favorite team.

Jimmy dedicated over 30 years to his career at Verizon, where he was not only a valued employee but also a beloved friend and colleague. His hard work, loyalty, and warm personality earned him the deep respect and admiration of his Verizon family. Known for his kindness and dedication, he formed lasting friendships with his coworkers, who will remember him fondly.

Even in his final weeks, Jimmy continued to work, always striving to provide the best possible support for his children, Ashlyn and Evan. His commitment to his family and his work is a testament to the strength and love he carried throughout his life.

Above all, Jimmy’s greatest love was for his children, Ashlyn and Evan. When they were young, he dedicated countless hours to coaching and managing their sports teams. More than just teaching them the rules of the game, he instilled in them the values of discipline, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. His role as their coach was just a small reflection of his deep devotion as a father.

Throughout life’s challenges, Jimmy remained a source of strength and love for his family. He faced adversity with resilience and always put his children first, ensuring they were supported, encouraged, and loved. His kindness, dedication, and support will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

Friends will be received at Candle Light Funeral Home, 1935 Frederick Road, Catonsville, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, we ask people to consider being an organ donor and/or make a donation to donatelife.net in Jimmy's memory.