James Milton (“Jimmy”) Cunningham, born November 26, 1926, passed away Friday, February 17,2023 at the Desoto Healthcare Center in Southaven, MS after an extended illness. Jimmy was born to parents, Olander (“Red”) and Evelyn Cunningham in Baldwyn, MS and lived in Baldwyn almost his entire life. After graduating from Baldwyn High School in 1944 as Salutatorian, Jimmy entered the Navy, reporting to Camp Peary Virginia. After initial and advanced training to be a Ship’s Radio Operator, Jimmy was assigned to a ship with orders to go to China, when the war ended. Jimmy returned to Baldwyn to enter the grocery business with his father and married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine Hamblin, in December 1946. They remained married for 73 years until Geraldine’s death in 2020. Jimmy and Geraldine had three sons, Jerry Milton, born 1948, Timothy Nix, born 1956, and Michael William, born 1961. Timothy died as an infant. Jimmy served as an owner / operator of Cunningham’s Food Mart from 1946 until 1988, partnering with both his father and his brother, John Cunningham, Sr. After selling the grocery store in 1988, Jimmy returned as an employee, working at the store until 2014 (age 87) when Geraldine’s health issues forced his final retirement. Jimmy served the First Baptist Church in Baldwyn in many roles over the years, including Deacon and Deacon Chairman, Pastor Search Committee Member and Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Department Leader, Choir Member, Soloist, and Interim Choir Director. Jimmy was a charter member of the Baldwyn Civitan Club and served for decades as the Secretary. Jimmy’s love for Baldwyn, his community of citizens, his family, and his friends is unsurpassed. During his declining years, when he had to leave Baldwyn to stay in care facilities near his family, he often told his sons that he was “ready to return to Baldwyn”.
Surviving Jimmy are his two sons, Jerry (Carolyn) in Greenville, MS, and Mike (Joann) in Olive Branch, MS. Also surviving Jimmy are his brother Joe (Priscilla) in Cordova, TN, Sister-in-law Janice Hamblin in Tupelo, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and a host of favorite nieces and nephews.
Jimmy is preceded in death by his wife Geraldine Cunningham, son Timothy Cunningham, parents Olander and Evelyn Cunningham, and brother John Cunningham, Sr.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Baldwyn, MS on Saturday, February 25 at 1:00 pm, with the Rev. Stanley Huddleston officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. Pallbearers will be the Active Deacons of the First Baptist Church. There will be no graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please send a contribution to the First Baptist Church in Baldwyn, MS.
