James Franklin Cunningham, age 89, joined his Heavenly Father in the late afternoon of January 16, 2025, in his home in Malvern.
On May 12, 1935, James Franklin was born to the late James Franklin and Ida Belle Wright Cunningham, in Malvern, Arkansas. James lived his entire childhood in Malvern and graduated from Malvern High School in 1953.  James met his wife, Treva Ellen Attaway Cunningham, while attending Sardis Primitive Baptist Church.  James and Treva wrote many letters during James' Basic Training and married on November 9, 1957, shortly after his return from Basic Training. The couple raised their four children in Sheridan where they enjoyed many wonderful years of friendships. The couple celebrated 68 loving years of marriage this past November.
At a very early age, James' mother introduced him to the Primitive Baptist Church. James and his mother would walk many miles just to attend.  James joined the church in 1953 and continued that passion for his church. On December 31, 1972, James was ordained as a deacon and served faithfully at New Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, where he was also a devoted member, superintendent and philanthropist.
After 35 years as an employee and holding various positions, James retired from Alcoa where he enjoyed many long-lasting friendships. Upon retirement, James and Treva built their retirement home on the land where James and his nine siblings were raised.  James, affectionately known as PawPaw, enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren the land where he grew up and the mischievous adventures that he was fortunate to have survived.
James is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers; Bruce Cunningham, Herman Cunningham, Woodrow Cunningham, Adolf "Buck" Cunningham and Kenneth Cunningham, and three sisters; Alma Cunningham Ramsey, Blanche Cunningham Connell, and Melba Cunningham Caldwell Fox.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Treva Ellen Attaway Cunningham, of Malvern; four children: Tyrell Wayne Cunningham, of Fairview, Oregon, Ronald Glenn Cunningham and wife, Karen, of Thayer, Missouri, Melody Cunningham Ball and Husband, Frank, and Stacy Cunningham Gilbert and husband, Matthew, of Ruston, Louisiana.  One sister, Frankie Lee Cunningham Davis; five grandsons: Seth Andrew Ball (Laney), Zachery Tyler Ball (Katelyn), Matthew James Cunningham (Hannah), Jacob Ryan Ball, and Mason Matthew Gilbert; two granddaughters: Rachel Nicole Cunningham (Alan) and Marleigh Ellen Gilbert, one great grandson: Julien Gray Crawford .  There are also many treasured in-laws, nieces and nephews and friends.
To allow for loved ones travel time, funeral services will be held at 2:00 Monday afternoon, January 27, 2025, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern with Elder James Isaac and Brother Paul Cacye officiating.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Pallbearers: Seth Ball, Zac Ball, Matthew Cunningham, Rachel Cunningham, Mason Gilbert, Jacob Ryan Ball, and Alan Crawford.
The family would like to thank Elite Hospice Team, who became part of our family. The family would also like to thank the many friends, neighbors and family who supported during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.