John Edward Cunningham

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of John "JC" Cunningham, who passed away on September 7, 2025, at the age of 88.JC devoted more than six decades of service to the University of San Diego—shaping lives as head baseball coach, assistant basketball coach, bus driver, and beloved campus ambassador. His unwavering dedication made him a cornerstone of Torero athletics and a cherished figure in the San Diego community.A 1955 graduate of St. Augustine High School, JC was a two-sport standout at the University of San Francisco, where he earned All-Conference honors in both basketball and baseball. He led the Dons in scoring and rebounding during his senior year and was named Athlete of the Year. He later competed in the 1960 U.S. Olympic Basketball Trials as a member of the All-Army Team and spent time in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system.In 1962, JC came “home” to USD, beginning a legendary career that included 35 seasons as head baseball coach. He amassed 843 wins before retiring in 1998, earning induction into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame (1991), the St. Augustine High School Hall of Fame (1995), and the USD Athletics Hall of Fame (2003). He was honored as San Diego’s Citizen of the Year in 1993, recognized by the San Diego Baseball Historical Society as one of the 25 most influential figures in local baseball history, and added to the West Coast Conference Wall of Honor in 2024.In 1988, USD named its baseball field after JC, later rededicated as Fowler Park and Cunningham Field. His number was retired in 2013, further cementing his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Torero history.JC is survived by his son, Geoffrey Cunningham [Carrie Minikel]; granddaughter, Vera Minningham, brothers Chuck [Dottie] Cunningham, and Leo Cunningham and many loving family members and friends. He was a devoted father and grandfather, remembered for his integrity, kindness, humor, and the countless lives he touched.Funeral ServiceFriday, October 3, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.The Immaculata Church, University of San Diego campusA reception will immediately follow. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and celebrate JC’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USD Baseball. https://www.sandiego.edu/giving/giving-options/torero-athletic-fund/torero-dugout-club.php