FRANKLIN - James “Jim” Porter Cunningham Jr., 69, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020.
Born in Franklin, he was the son of the late James Porter Cunningham Sr. and Esther Minerva Clouse Cunningham. Jim attended Life Spring Community Church and was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved riding locally and long distance. He was an avid outdoorsman, very active in the Carson Community Club and was formerly a Carson Cemetery Committee Trustee.
Jim was president of United Steel Workers Local 7202 and later began organizing for USW on a level that allowed him to travel the United States and Japan. He retired from Duke Energy as a quality control specialist after more than 35 years. Jim began his work with Nantahala Power and Light working on a survey crew, then as a lineman and later a powerhouse operator. He enjoyed serving others and loved his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his daughters, LeighAnn Cunningham of Sylva and Jessica McHan of Franklin; sisters, Brenda Elliott and Suzanne Williams, both of Franklin; and one granddaughter, Kalyn McHan.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at Macon Funeral Home with the Rev. Bryan Lamb officiating. Burial followed in the Carson Community Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service.
Pallbearers were Fred Shope, Bob Stewart, Todd McGaha, Jim Williams, Mike Lequire, Mike Bingham, Brandon Brown, and Harold Elliott.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice House Foundation of WNC, PO Box 815, Franklin, NC 28744
Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Condolences may be made at maconfuneralhome.com.