Jess Cunningham

Jess Leroy Cunningham, 88, of Independence, MO went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 14, 2012. Visitation will be held at 10 am on Friday, Aug. 17 followed by the funeral service at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church of Independence, 100 N. Pleasant St., Independence, MO 64052. Interment will immediately follow with Full Military honors at Mound Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the church.
Jess touched many lives. He had a beautiful smile and loving personality. He lived his life with integrity and love for everyone. He loved and served the Lord at the First Presbyterian Church for many years. He always saw the good in others and never said a bad word about anyone. From his barber, pharmacist, doctors and acquaintances that knew him only briefly, we heard many remarks of what a fine and wonderful man he was. He was the best example of
an honorable man who enjoyed life to the fullest.
Jess was a WW II Navy veteran, Yeoman 1st Class. He joined the Navy at 17 and was at Pearl Harbor, the Invasion of Normandy and Hiroshima. He worked in management in the auto industry in Atlanta, GA, but came back to Independence to be closer to family. He worked for the Vendo Company for many years. He also was in sales and after retirement enjoyed working part-time as a Radiology transporter at Independence Regional Hospital.
His proudest accomplishment was his family. Many times he said, “The Lord has been very good to me. I’ve got a good wife, good kids and a good dog.” Besides spending time with his family, Jess loved playing baseball, reading the newspaper, fishing, camping, spending winters in Texas and sitting on his back porch swing.
Jess is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Beulah “Boots” Cunningham; five children: Peggy Nix and husband Dan, Dennis Cunningham and wife Sara, Barbara Poole and husband Doug, Patti Cunningham and David Cunningham and wife Cindy. He leaves behind seven grandchildren: Heath Mustain and wife Karen, Chad Cunningham and wife Teri, Jestyn Cunningham, Errin Nix, Gideon Nix, Michael Whitworth and Amy Whitworth and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances. His memory will be cherished.