James Cunningham Obituary

James Walter Cunningham was born on Friday, June 14, 1963, in Vici, Oklahoma, at his grandparents' home next to the Nazarene Church. He was the second of three children and the only boy - "the best kid they had," as he liked to call himself. James had a happy childhood filled with love and adventure. His parents were devoted and values-driven, raising their children with a strong foundation of faith and responsibility. Their summer vacations weren't about typical tourist destinations - they were about visiting the Brethren and connecting with their spiritual family. Whether it was stops at Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, or other places on the way home, these were deeply meaningful trips James always treasured.
His parents bought a lot in a lakefront development near Wewoka, Oklahoma, where his father built a family cabin using reclaimed wood from houses being torn down. James and his family hauled the materials, helped with construction, and enjoyed many weekends and holidays there, no matter the weather. These experiences helped shape his work ethic and love for family.
James attended Tuttle High School, where he drove a school bus during his junior and senior years. He made straight A's and was voted Most Outstanding Student at Vo-Tech. He studied electronics and earned a scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University, where he studied for a year before ultimately going on to do what he loved - driving a truck.
Working hard, James eventually operated his own company, Circle C Enterprises. He purchased his own trucks and ran the business independently.
James was baptized on October 22, 1985, by Brother Gary Evans in Newcastle. He had a deep sense of duty and love for his family. He cared for his father during his final 9 months and his mother during her last year and 9 months. He said he'd do it all again without hesitation - "It was the least I could do for them."
On April 5, 2008, at the age of 45, James married Dana. Never having been married or had children of his own, he embraced his new role as husband, father, and grandfather with love and commitment. He gave Damian, who was 13 at the time, the nickname "Scooter" - a name that stuck through the years.
After getting married, James continued serving and helping others through his work. He worked for Chuck Pickering at J&R Dirtworks, operating heavy machinery; for Larry Clayton, delivering propane; and also for himself as a handyman under the name Circle C Enterprises.
James and Dana enjoyed many trips together - from Idaho and California to Florida and Indiana. They were looking forward to James's upcoming retirement this August, with many future trips planned. But before those plans could be fulfilled, the Lord called him home at the end of his journey.
James leaves behind his loving wife, Dana Johnson Cunningham, and his stepchildren and their spouses: Terrad Johnson of Camargo, Danea and Joe Heidlebaugh, and Damian and Jess Johnson of Vici. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Morgan and her husband Chance of Eugene, Oregon; Tony Johnson, Ian Heidlebaugh, Mack Johnson, Graham Heidlebaugh, Brayden Heidlebaugh, Jye Holman of Arapaho, and Loxley Johnson of Vici. James is also survived by his sisters: Gwen Lenea Comstock and her husband Roger Comstock of Arapaho, and Niki Rae Nance of Oklahoma City; and a number of family and friends.
Memorial donations may be made towards the cost of the service or to the Vici General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859
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