ames Robert Cunningham, 1950-2026

Jim Cunningham will forever be remembered as an exemplary son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, employee, boss, friend to everyone, and steadfast disciple of Jesus Christ. Jim spent his life testifying to family and friends of his Savior, sometimes with his words, but mostly with his works. Jim’s family witnessed his incredible hope and faith, and both physical and spiritual strength, as he fiercely fought a rare, aggressive cancer. He did ultimately succumb, surrounded by his family on May 14, 2026 at the age of 75.

Jim was born on June 4, 1950 in Twin Falls, Idaho to loving parents Lewis Joseph and Nina Beth Ethel Goe Cunningham. He was raised on various Southwestern Idahoan farms with his siblings: Joseph, Olivette Hansen, Richard, Naomi Dickens, David, and Thomas. When his oldest brother passed away, Jim took over significant farming responsibilities at the age of eight, tending to and milking cows and baling hay. A true Idahoan: a potato once saved his life.

His family eventually moved to Provo, Utah where Jim graduated from Provo High School with a diploma and a love of woodworking and construction. Jim served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Southern California mission. A few years later, he visited the Los Angeles area and returned with Debra Louise Novikoff. James and Debra were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo LDS Temple on October 13, 1972.

Jim earned two associate degrees from Brigham Young University before building a career in construction which included general contracting in Vernal, Utah. Returning to Utah County, Jim built Parade of Homes houses with Davies Construction, and schools with Broderick and Howell Construction, until he loyally worked for 34 years in the Auxiliary Maintenance department at Brigham Young University. Jim knew the value of hard work, spending long hours to protect and provide for his family. He chose early retirement in 2019, to be with his daughter during her final months. Jim’s favorite vacations were camping with his family, hunting and fishing; he loved being outdoors.

Whether at work or home or anywhere else, Jim was a faithful Latter-day Saint who eagerly sought to always magnify his callings, minister to others, preach the gospel, and especially to attend the temple. Jim’s final testimony encouraged us to live worthily to enter the House of the Lord to make covenants and serve our ancestors.

Jim is survived by his eternal companion, Debra Louise Novikoff Cunningham; four of his children, Kristina Penfold (Kurt), Robert Cunningham, Michael Cunningham (Kim), Rachel Petersen (Travis); Brent Bingham (Shanaè); seventeen grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved like his own.

Jim is preceded in death by his goodly parents, Lewis and Nina Beth, his oldest brother Lewis Joseph Cunningham Jr., his sister Olivette Cunningham Hansen, and his daughter, Cheryl Cunningham Bingham.

Jim was deeply loved by his family and friends on earth. He was true and faithful to his covenants and, because of the Atonement of the Savior, Jesus Christ, he is now enthusiastically received on the other side of the veil.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 9am to 11am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 828 West 1600 North, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be held in the same building beginning at 11:30am. His interment will be at the East Lawn Cemetery, 4800 Timpview Dr, Provo, immediately following his funeral. Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.walkersanderson.com.