James Edward Cunningham

Obit James Edward Cunningham-85 of Fairbury, NE

Kroll Funeral Home-Hebron, NE 402-768-6165

James Edward Cunningham of Fairbury, NE the son of Nicholas Edward and Lillie Rose (Kirby) Cunningham was born January 18, 1934 at home on a farm near Reynolds, NE. He departed this life Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln, NE at the age of 85 years.

Jim attended District 94 country school and graduated from Reynolds High School.

After school he worked on the farm, oil pipe line and the ammunition depot in Hastings, NE.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on April 12,1954. He went to San Diego, CA for boot camp. Then to Norman, OK for A.N.P. School and A.T.A School in Memphis, TN. He then served on the USS Hornet for a Far East Tour, and Korea, and another Far East Tour on the USS Wasp. He was honorably discharged at Naval Air Station P & P at Patuxent River, MD. April 11, 1958.

Jim married Patricia Ruth Arner December 28, 1954. This union was blessed with the birth of three sons.

Jim was employed with various jobs around Fairbury, Grinnel, IA and Atlantic, IA.

He retired in 1997 and moved back to the family farm homestead to enjoy hunting, fishing, and wood working.

Spending time with his family and friends was important to Jim.

He was member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hebron, 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus Hebron Council, District Deputy of 3rd degree, Little Blue Natural Resource District, Jefferson County Extension Board and Jefferson Historical Society.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Richard Tuma.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Cunningham of Fairbury, NE, sons; Allan Cunningham and wife Amy of Manassas Park, VA, Paul Cunningham and wife Becky of Harrah, OK, and Roger Cunningham and wife Denise of Ocala, FL, sister Ruth Tuma and husband Richard of Marrowville, KS, grandchildren Jessica and Jeremy of Manassas Park, VA, Shaun Cunningham and wife Natalie of Harrah, OK, Jennifer Smith and husband Maxwell of McLoud, OK, Kellye O’Reilly and husband Dustin of Litchfield, ME, and Alec Cunningham of Litchfield, ME, great-grandchildren Audrey Smith, Miles and Oliver O’Reilly, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of the Christian burial will be Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic in Hebron, NE at 10AM. Officiant will be Father Rudy Oborny, organist Julie Kriesel, congregational hymns “Here I Am Lord”, “How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagles Wings”, and recorded bagpipe “Amazing Grace”. Visitation will be Friday March 8, 2019 at Kroll Funeral Home in Hebron 2-7PM. Rosary service will be Friday, March 8, 2019 at Kroll Funeral Home Chapel at 7PM. Memorial in care of the family. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors by Thayer County American Legion Posts. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.

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