James Nathaniel "Uncle Jim" Cunningham

James Nathaniel "Uncle Jim" Cunningham Age 82 Years of #53 Pinedale Street, 
was called from labour to reward at the Princess Margaret Hospital on Thursday, January 31, 2008.

He was born at Matthew Town Inagua, Bahamas on Saturday, March 14, 1925. 
He was the youngest of eight children.

"Uncle Jim" as he was affectionately called, received his early education 
at the All-age school in Inagua. He was a typical Inaguan boy who helped 
to support his family by farming, fishing and working at Morton Salt Company. 
Both at home and St. Philip's Anglican Church, he learned reverence for God and 
respect for all others. His engaging, quiet and peaceful disposition made him a 
special member of the community.

After the tragic death of his father in 1938, James was especially raised by his dear mother 
and elder sister Louise. In 1943, he traveled to the United States of America 
to work on the 'Project', a period when many Bahamian men left their home 
to earn a living as farm laborers in United States.

It was in 1948 that James and Charles Cunningham along with their mother moved to Pinedale, 
where they were some of the first residents of the community.

Shortly after his time on the 'Project', James fell in love with the young and charming Shirley Sawyer, 
and in 1955 they were joined in holy matrimony at St. Agnes Anglican Church. Out of this union were 
born three sons and five daughters. The couple celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in August, 2005.

James was a man of outstanding loyalty and commitment to work. When he retired from the 
Caribbean Bottling Company in 2000 as a machine operator, he was honored as the longest 
serving employee, having served the company for some fifty (years).

More importantly, James faithfully provided for his family, and with the constant, loving care 
and support of his wife protected the children from social ills. Together they ensured that a 
basic structure of discipline was upheld in the home.

James participated in the life of his church, especially as a member of the choir, and in May 16, 2004 
St. George's Anglican Church honored him in recognition of his sustained and dedicated service.