Rev. James Franklin Cunningham
October 7th, 1907 - May 17th, 2008
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Rev. James Franklin's Obituary
Rev. James Franklin Cunningham, 100, of South Haven died Saturday, May 17 at home.
He was born October 7, 1907 in Aberdeen, Mississippi to James and Georgia (Ware) Cunningham Sr. James married Lillie Porter in 1927. James worked as a farmer and railroad laborer while in Mississippi. After the economic depression he moved his family to Chicago. Illinois. James was ordained an Elder in the Church of God in Christ in the late 60’s. In 1970 James was promoted to the Assistant Pastor to Greater Pentecostal Temple COGIC in South Haven, Michigan. James life motto was Work, Work, Work. James worked for National Motors from 1946 – 1948, he later retired from Bohn Aluminum after 27 years of service. James was a self-taught contractor and built more than 13 homes in the South Haven and Covert areas along with assisting with the Lily of the Valley Church and Pentecostal Temple and Greater Pentecostal Temple COGIC, James also assisted building the pavilion, known as the green house convening in Elkenburg Park. James has resided on Cable St. in South Haven for more than 62 years, the city government has given Cable St. an additional name of James Franklin Cunningham Blvd. Pastor James Cunningham will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death along with his parents by his wife of 58 years – Lillie Porter- Cunningham who died in 1985. Ten siblings – Ephraim, Richard, Thomas, Hansel, Arthur, Augusta, Evelyn, Marie, Amanda and Mannie Lue Cunningham. Daughter-in-laws – Annabelle Freeman Cunningham, Gert Wright, and Carolyn Cunningham.
He is survived by Five children – James, Bishop Fred, Morris, Georgia Gamble and Pastor Joseph Cunningham. Well over 172grand, great, great great and great great great grandchildren. Uncle – Bishop Charles Cunningham. A Host of niece, nephews, family and friends also survive.
Wake will be from 6 -7 on Friday, May 23 at the Greater Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ with a memorial service at 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be Saturday, May 24 at 11:00 A.M. at the church with Bishop Fred L. Cunningham officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.
The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.
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