Jim Cunningham

James (Jim) Gabriel Cunningham, of West Hartford and Bloomfield, CT, passed away peacefully on April 18th, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on March 24, 1939, in the rural farming village of Goleen, County Cork, Ireland, Jim was the youngest of eleven children of the late Patrick and Ellen (Collins) Cunningham. Raised on a family farm, Jim developed a deep-rooted love for nature and animals from an early age. At 18, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Hartford, Connecticut, where he continued his connection to the land through landscaping and gardening-a calling that came naturally to him. With a remarkable "green thumb," Jim could bring any patch of earth to life, whether planting flourishing vegetable gardens or vibrant flower beds. His joy in nurturing the outdoors extended to the animal world. Though especially fond of cats, Jim had a gentle heart for all creatures. Each morning, he would rise early to feed the birds, squirrels, deer, and even the occasional bear that wandered into his yard. His kindness and respect for all living beings were evident in every aspect of his life. He was the unofficial mayor of Bishops Corner. He could always be found at McDonald's with his friends from the Sky View Drive Neighborhood, where he had been a building superintendent for many years. He was a devout Catholic who attended mass every Sunday.
Jim is survived by his devoted brother, Tom Cunningham of West Hartford, and his loving sister, Eileen Cunningham Scully of Goleen, Ireland, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who cherished his gentle spirit and warm heart. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The McAuley and St. Mary's Home, especially the Fitzgerald Unit, for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided to Jim in his final days. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Church of St. Timothy, 1116 N. Main St. West Hartford, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's honor to: Animal Friends of Connecticut, P.O. Box 370306, West Hartford, CT 06137 or Our Companions Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, P.O. Box 956, Manchester, CT 06045.
Jim will be remembered for his quiet strength, gentle soul, and unwavering love for the natural world. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, care, and beauty that will continue to bloom in the hearts of all who knew him.