Jack Allen Cunningham passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Sugar Fork Crossing.
Jack was born May 26, 1931 in Amboy, Indiana to Earl and Bernadine Cunningham. He grew up in the Park Place neighborhood of Anderson and graduated from Anderson High School in 1950. After graduation, he was drafted into the US Army to serve in the Korean War until 1953. After service, he attended Ball State University, where he was known as Friday night's touchdown hero! While attending Ball State, Jack met his first wife Jane in 1955. He was introduced to the paper business by his father-in-law. He would retire from the paper business after 40 years. His first position was with Warner Press in Anderson, IN. After re-locating to Dayton, Ohio, Jack worked for Mead Paper Company, and finally McCollum Paper Company. He was known as “Dutch” to all of his business associates.
All 4 of Jack’s children were born in Dayton, Ohio; beginning with Curtis A. Cunningham in 1960, Chadwick, Craig, and Cassee. He was married to his first wife for 18 years. After his divorce, Jack met and married Willa Deane (Bronnenberg) Black in 1974. Jack and Deane lived in Anderson for the remainder of their lives. They enjoyed traveling the world together, attending Anderson High School basketball games, gathering with family, and enjoying the company of many close friends. Jack retired from the paper business in 1997. Jack had been a Boy Scout leader, was active in the Rotary club both in Anderson and Mooresville, North Carolina. He was very involved in his AHS reunion committee for his class. He enjoyed being a part of the walk to Emmaus retreats. His most treasured affiliation was with the Man 4 Man organization. He loved walks, sitting on the front porch, and breakfast with friends. He especially loved scalding hot coffee and a sausage egg Mc Muffin from McDonalds. There were many “Jack” stories of clumsy funny antics. Jack was a smile, a pat on the back and raucous laugh to all that knew him. He was deeply passionate about his faith. He worshiped at the Church of God in Dayton, Ohio and Anderson First United Methodist Church.
His step-children are forever grateful for the loving care he gave his wife during her extended illness.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Earl Cunningham and Bernadine Cunningham, Son Curtis A. Cunningham, and wife Willa Deane Black (Bronnenberg).
Jack is survived by his children, Chadwick Cunningham (wife, Barbara), Pembroke Pines, Florida, Craig Cunningham, New Castle, and Cassee Cunningham (husband, Kurt Knaak) Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren, Chadwick Jr. and Nicholas Cunningham; step-children, Pam (Black) Bubenzer (Joe), Mooresville, North Carolina; Christy (Black) Stephens (Wes) Charlotte, North Carolina and Barbara (Black) Smith of Anderson; two grandchildren, two great grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and 12 step-great- grandchildren.
His favorite phrase was “Remember to look to the East and keep the wind to your back” He explained that the phrase was based in scripture and the East was a biblical reference. In short, if you are looking to the East your troubles are behind you.
The family thanks the staff of Sugar Fork Crossing assisted living facility and the hospice nurses of Elara, and elder sitter Lisa Newman for their love and care of Jack during the end of his life.
A memorial service will be held at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service in Anderson, lndiana, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 25, 2023. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.
ln lieu of flowers, Jack requested donations be made to Man 4 Man Ministries in Anderson, lN. https://manformanministries.com/.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.