James Hankey Cunningham

James Hankey Cunningham, 89, passed away peacefully at home on March 28, 2023, with his family by his side.

Jimmy is survived by his ex-wife and childhood sweetheart of 68 years Bernadette Ankeney of Murrysville, 2 daughters, Laura Lannin (Michael) of Ramsey, NJ and Irene Marzok (Chad) of Plum, PA, an older sister, Caroline Halter (Bud) of Burbank, CA, and 5 grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Gramps"- Victoria, Julia, Ella, Vaughn and Alexis. He is pre-deceased by his parents James B. and Wilda H. Cunningham and a sister Beverly Anne Davies.

Jimmy was born in Pittsburgh in 1933 and grew up in Edgewood. In 1970, he made his family's summer home of 102 years in Murrysville, his permanent residence.

He was a proud, decorated, United States Air Force Veteran and served in the Korean War 430th Fighter-Bomber Squadron as a weapons mechanic. He loved his country, treasured his time in the Air Force and traveling the world. Jimmy was an avid organ player and was an organ repairman for decades. He worked at Westinghouse Airbrake for many years until his retirement.

Jimmy was fond of electronics and engineering and had an exceptional mind for Math. He had a quirky sense of humor and liked making people laugh. He cherished his family, animals, aviation, watching Fox News and the Incredible Dr. Pol, and working outside on his family property that he so dearly loved. He enjoyed being active and walked 5 miles a day until he was 86.

He was a person of great faith and a member of the Holiday Park United Methodist Church for many years until he was no longer able to attend due to health reasons. Jimmy was a kind, gentle-hearted soul who never let a day go by without telling his family how grateful he was for them and how much he loved them. He was so loved and is deeply missed. Cremation was private. A military burial will take place at a future date in Grandview Cemetery, North Versailles. Memorial tributes in his name may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project by visiting 

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate