Mr. James B. Cunningham Jr.

James Bernard Cunningham Jr., of 1712 Dublin Road in Richmond, passed away at his home on Sunday, July 30, 2023, after a short illness. Born in Pittsfield on November 17, 1931, the son of the late Esther L. Truran Cunningham and James B. Cunningham Sr., he was a 1950 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School and a 1952 graduate of Montgomery Junior College, U.S. Navy Electrician’s Mate School Tacoma Park, M.D.. A member of the Navy Reserve, he was called to active duty as Repair Electrician in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Cascade, a destroyer tender in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic areas, during the Korean War. Starting his working career at the age of sixteen, Mr. Cunningham worked after high school classes for Western Mass. Theatres, Inc. as an usher in Pittsfield’s Palace Theatre. During his junior year he became assistant manager of the Strand Theatre in Pittsfield. Shortly after graduation, he went to work for the General Electric Company, where he worked a number of years in the Maintenance Department as an electrician before transferring to the Plastics Division as a Process Technician and later as a production foreman in the Phenolics plant. When that business was sold by G.E., Mr. Cunningham was transferred to Lexgard Unit of Plastics as a Laminates Technician from which he retired on January 1, 1994, with 43 years of service. Mr. Cunningham was a well-known electrician, holding both a Masters and a Journeyman’s license. He was the owner of the former Jim’s Electric Service in Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham moved to Richmond in 1961. A 45 year member and former officer of the Richmond Volunteer Fire Department, he also served the town for a number of years as Wiring Inspector. Musically talented, he enjoyed playing the organ. His loving wife of 70 years passed on June 3, 2023. He is survived by his two sons, James B. Cunningham III, of Cartersville, GA., and Robert E. Cunningham and his wife Karen of Richmond; a brother, Richard A. Cunningham of York, Maine; four granddaughters, Sara A. Belleau and her husband Travis of Pittsfield, Tiffany R. Cunningham of Pittsfield, Caitlyn E. Cunningham, of Cartersville, G.A., and Alyssa Nally and her husband Kyle of Kingston, G.A; one grandson, Lucas J. Cunningham, of Adams, M.A., and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Notice: There will be no funeral services or calling hours for James B. Cunningham Jr.. Cremation and a private interment will be held in Center Cemetery in Richmond at a later date.

Mr. James B. Cunningham Jr.

November 17, 1931 - July 30, 2023