James Jay Cunningham

Jay Cunningham was born February 7, 1954, in Mt. Ayr, Iowa to Harold and Phyllis "Jo" (Moffitt) Cunningham. He spent his early childhood on a farm near Shannon, Iowa and in Lyons, Colorado finally moving with his family to a ranch near Crawford, Colorado when he was eight years old.

Jay graduated from Paonia High School in 1972 followed by a few years spent at various jobs in various locations. After returning to Crawford in 1976, he went to work for the Black Mesa Cattle Pool, a job held for 20 years while working for various ranchers in Delta County during the off season. He married Pauline Scherrer on November 27, 1976. To this union, three children were born, Kimberly, Zachary and Kate. He worked with his parents at their ranch on Missouri Flats buying their cows and leasing their ranch when they retired to Hotchkiss. Following the death of his father and the sale of the ranch, Jay and Pauline moved back to their house in Crawford for a couple of years. Last year, they moved to a place they purchased near Delta. Jay enjoyed spending time with his family, being outdoors, his fishing trips to Lake Powell, a good horse and a good dog. He is remembered fondly for his smile and infectious laugh.

Jay is survived by his wife, Pauline; his son, Zachary and his wife, Julie (Ferrier) of Hotchkiss, Colorado; his daughter, Kate and her husband, Bo Andrews of Redvale, Colorado; and his three granddaughters, Maggie and Cooper Andrews and Lacie Cunningham. He is further survived by his brothers John Cunningham and his wife, Marlyse of Olathe and Jerry Cunningham and his wife Linda "Pete" of Delta and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Phyllis and Allan Williams of Grand Junction; Don and Kelli Scherrer of Boulder; and Marilyn and Dan Holvoet of Soldotna, Alaska and many nieces and nephews who adoringly called him Papa Jay.

Jay was proceeded in death by his daughter, Kimberly and his parents, Jo and Harold Cunningham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.