JAMES D. CUNNINGHAM
February 24, 1935 to December 11, 2025
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

James' Obituary

James Deason Cunningham (“JD”), 90, died after a short illness in Oklahoma City, OK. He was born February 24, 1935, in Prague, OK to Howard and Bernice Deason Cunningham.

He graduated from Shawnee High School in the Class of 1953, where he was an outstanding athlete excelling in football, and attended college at Murray State College in Tishomingo, OK on a football scholarship. He then transferred to Oklahoma Baptist University where he received his degree in general education, then a Masters from Texas Wesleyan University and Central State University.

JD married Donna Minter on August 26, 1954, and they lived in Tishomingo for a short while before returning to Shawnee. They affectionately just celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this past August with family.

JD worked first as a minister preaching at small churches before starting his long career in education at Hurst, TX as an elementary teacher. His teaching jobs took him to several towns for the next 30+ years, moving his family to Mt. View, OK, Fairview, Millwood Schools in Oklahoma City where he was an elementary principal, Anadarko, as assistant superintendent, Dale, as elementary principal, then finishing at Oklahoma State Department of Education.

He was a devoted servant of the Lord and after retiring from teaching, preached at Wallace Avenue Baptist Church in Shawnee and at other small churches in the surrounding area.

JD was preceded in death by his parents, and granddaughter Amber, and is survived by his wife Donna, children: Jim Cunningham of Edmond and wife Rebecca, Jon Cunningham of Stillwater and wife Brenda, Jay Cunningham of Edmond and wife Teri, Joe Cunningham of Newcastle and wife Kelli, and Jeff Carr of Dallas and wife Vickie, Grandchildren: Joy, Kellis, Robert, Stephen, Briana, Josh, Luke, Erin, Luke, Blake, Tyler, Stacey, Ashley, Jenna and Mitchell, their spouses, and many great-grandchildren.

JD was known for his unwavering dedication to his family, students, and congregation. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit. His legacy of faith and service will be cherished by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at Garden Grove Cemetery in Prague, OK on December 16, 2025.