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Cunningham, James "Darrell"

August 20, 1964 –
 October 6, 2018

Obituary

James Darrell Cunningham, 54, of Plano, TX, was granted eternal rest Saturday, October 6, 2018 after a brave fight with cancer. Darrell was born August 20, 1964 to Ron and Nancy Cunningham of Beaumont, TX. After graduating from Lamar University, he moved to Dallas, TX where he began a successful career in IT sales, most recently employed by IBM. Darrell was a man of few words, but his big heart and generous actions spoke volumes. He was a huge sports fan. He loved playing golf, watching hockey and was a loyal Cowboys fan.  He was commissioner of a competitive fantasy football league and was known to engage in a little trash talk now and then.   He loved music, concerts, grilling and traveling.  He made a mean gumbo and was a Bar- B- Q connoisseur.  He was a devoted and loving husband, son, brother, uncle, pet parent and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Heather Cunningham, his parents, Ron and Nancy Cunningham, his sister Vicki and her husband Kevin McGovern, nephews Cade McGovern, Ryan McGovern, Jace McGovern, Garrett Graham, sister-in-law Elizabeth Graham and mother-in-law Lucretia Holmes. Darrell’s quiet strength, humility, and grace in good times as well as in the most difficult circumstances will be a lasting lesson and legacy for all of those who knew and loved him. A memorial service will be held on October 18 at 11am at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 5100 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093.    Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700

    Serena
    10 Oct 2018
    10:26am

    I will cherish my memories of Darrell and I hope your memories of him will comfort you when you miss him. XXOO

    Neal Pappion
    10 Oct 2018
    10:41am

    A kind soul. Enjoyed working with Darrell very much. A joy to hang out with talking about food and sports.

    Eternal rest grant unto Darrell, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

    Sharon Cobb
    10 Oct 2018
    10:49am

    Heather – We are so sorry for your loss. Know that both of you have been in our prayers for many months. I’m in awe of the courage, strength and love you both displayed during this time. Love Sharon Sullivan Cobb

    jaime cangas
    10 Oct 2018
    11:07am

    Rest in peace, I only had the pleasure of working with you for a short time. Darrel was the consummate professional.

    David Rasco
    10 Oct 2018
    11:49am

    I am so sad to hear about Darrell’s passing but take hope in knowing that he is welcomed in God’s arms in the Kingdom of Heaven and will not have to suffer again. Darrell and I seemed to follow the same work path; Software Spectrum, Microsoft, and IBM. He was a great coworker at every stop, but more importantly a great friend and teammate. Helped me a lot and for that I am forever thankful.

    Joe Isbell
    10 Oct 2018
    2:01pm

    My condolences to Darrell’s wife Heather and all his family and loved ones.
    Darrell was the first to greet me when I started on the IBM Cloud team a year and a half ago. Welcomed me and invited me to lunch the first day. Heaven gained another good one today.

    Conover hunt
    10 Oct 2018
    2:46pm

    Heather and family, my heart is with you all at this time. God bless.

    Gaby Flores
    10 Oct 2018
    3:02pm

    My deepest condolences to his wife and family. Although, Darrell and I only exchanged pleasantries at work. I know what it is to lose someone to the horrific disease we call cancer. And I am deeply sorry for your lost. Please find peace in prayer and in your loved ones. That Darrell is watching over you, waiting for unity in the after life. Psalms 23

    Michele1Evans@yahoo.com
    10 Oct 2018
    3:18pm

    Darrell sounds like a brave and wonderful person who is deeply loved. I know he will be missed by many. My prayers, love and condolences go out to Heather and the family and friends. My heart is with you.
    Much love,
    Michele Evans

    Kelly Mundell
    10 Oct 2018
    3:50pm

    We have lost a true genuine human being. Darrell was the kindest calmest and sweetest husband and friend to those that knew him. To Heather I know you’ve lost the love of your life but he will always live inside your heart. To the Cunningham family my sincerest condolences as you grieve the loss of your son, brother and Heather, your husband. My wish for you at the dark time is to know that you are all loved, cared about and being prayed for.

    June Tooby
    10 Oct 2018
    4:34pm

    It seems like yesterday Darrel the handsome Groom and
    Heather A beautiful bride my heart felt sorrow for you Heather may Darrel Rest In Peace and rise again in Glory
    Deepest Sympathy to Darrel,s family Much Love and prayers to you all
    June

    Tina
    10 Oct 2018
    6:33pm

    When I think about Darrell I think of that old adage, “God wants the nicest people near him in Heaven “ and that is Darrelll. What a sweet man who loved is wife with all his heart. This is just so sad. Heather and his parents you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Maggie Price Stauder
    10 Oct 2018
    7:02pm

    Heather, I am so very sorry. You have been on my mind and in my prayers since I’ve learned of all that you have been going through. I don’t have your address, but maybe you can get in touch with me later. May God’s peace be with you. Cousin Maggie

    KC
    10 Oct 2018
    8:06pm

    Heather and Family, My Deepest Condolences. May God Bless.

    Dany and Mark
    10 Oct 2018
    9:01pm

    Darrell’s warmth and character are so reflected in the many quality people who mourn his passing. And, too, who celebrate his life having touched us in kind, funny, and memorable ways. I am grateful and blessed to have seen his love for my dear friend, Heather. He will be missed. He is celebrated. Peace through faith and prayers.

    Leah Williams
    10 Oct 2018
    9:58pm

    Heather and family, I’m so sad to hear the news of Darrell’s passing. I have such fond memories working with him in Dallas. He was such a kind hearted, dedicated professional who was really just a joy to be around. Thoughts and prayers to the family as you cope with this loss.

    Sarah Falcon
    10 Oct 2018
    10:55pm

    My condolences to the Cunningham family. Darryl was one of my favorites in school. He will be missed. Love you David.

    Sarah Falcon
    10 Oct 2018
    11:00pm

    Condolences to the Cunningham family. Darryl was one of my favorites in school. Such a great guy. He will be missed. Love you Darryl, RIP.

    Margaret Norden
    11 Oct 2018
    6:23am

    Heather, I am so sorry to hear of Darrell’s passing.I hardly knew him but I knew he was a great guy and you had a wonderful life together. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.

    Tracey Briscoe Turkoly
    11 Oct 2018
    8:33am

    May Darrell Rest In Peace and live on in your fond memories and stories you tell. Much love and peace to you through the journey of losing him. Tracey

    Patrick Martin
    11 Oct 2018
    10:45am

    I had the pleasure of working with Darrell between 2007 and 2009 and always enjoyed our conversations, which usually revolved around sports! His light will shine on in our memories of him.

    Nancy Jones
    11 Oct 2018
    11:17am

    Thinking of you and family Heather.
    May your heart and soul find peace and comfort by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

    Nancy Scheffe
    11 Oct 2018
    11:36am

    Rest in peace my friend. I really enjoyed working with you!
    My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Greg & Shana Myers
    11 Oct 2018
    2:09pm

    Cunningham Family, we lost a great person, but our lives were so much better having had the time we did with Darrell. His love, compassion, and care for each person he call friend, is a witness to me daily on how I should be a better person. Darrell was a great friend and mentor, and his legacy will live on for our lifetimes until we meet him in heaven. Prayers for peace for the Cunningham family.

    mary ann & george shumaker
    11 Oct 2018
    3:23pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

    Cora Nell and Rodney Blumberg
    11 Oct 2018
    4:32pm

    Our most heartfelt sympathies. Darrell will be missed and never forgotten. One of the good ones called to sit at God’s side. Keep strong Heather. We are here for you.

    Jenny and James Massey
    11 Oct 2018
    4:51pm

    We met Heather and Darrell a little over three years ago, and had an instant connection. We shared a love and passion for giving back to the community, music by Chicago, and getting together at our annual Academy Awards party; where Darrell won the trophy for highest number of correct winners two years in a row! Darrell’s kindness towards everyone, and his unconditional love for Heather touched our hearts and cemented our friendship forever. May you find comfort and peace reflecting on the beautiful times you spent together, and know that your hearts will always be bound by the grace of God.

    Dave Bublitz
    11 Oct 2018
    5:10pm

    My thoughts and prayers are coming your way Heather for you and your family members. I know this has been a very hard time for all of you. Hang onto your loving memories and please find comfort in knowing that Darrell is now in heaven, free of pain and in the loving grace of God.

    Thoughts and prayers!
    Sincerely,
    Dave

    Mike Jones
    12 Oct 2018
    8:40am

    I’ve known Darrell for almost 4 years now and he was one of the most genuine persons I have ever met. He would be the first to reach out and help someone and I thought of him as a good friend. I will miss you Darrell!

    Victoria Zizmont
    12 Oct 2018
    9:24am

    Had no idea, another young life taken by Cancer. May peace be with you Darrell, such a quiet sole…just a wonderful person…

    Katherine Bock
    13 Oct 2018
    12:59pm

    So very sorry.

    Charlotte Bruno Miller
    13 Oct 2018
    10:32pm

    Mr. and Mrs Cunningham, Vicki, Kevin and family., I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked to hear of Darrell’s passing. Know that I am thinking about you and praying for each of you.
    Tommy and Charlotte Miller

    Nancy & Norman Carlisle
    14 Oct 2018
    4:38pm

    His smile and genuine warmth will always be in our hearts. Our love to Heather. Ron % Nancy Cunningham sister Vickie Cunningham

    Iris Stanfield
    15 Oct 2018
    8:31am

    Dear Ron, I hope you remember me from GSU days. It’s been a long time though. I was So very sad to learn from Linda Sachitano of your loss. May you have the peace that only God can give. I pray the same for your wife and the wife and children your son leaves behind. Hoping it helps a little to know others care.
    Iris Stanfield

    Stephanie Gerac Chiquette
    15 Oct 2018
    11:10am

    RIP Darrell, one of my very first friends in life. I will always remember us as little kids playing and swimming in the summer sun with our siblings and Moms at Bayou Din while our Dads golfed. Prayers and much love to Ron, Nancy, Vicki , Heather and your entire family.

    Vanessa & Curt Burkhead
    16 Oct 2018
    12:13pm

    Such a wonderful, loyal man, that adored his beautiful wife Heather and his family and friends. We are both so blessed to have known him and spent several great occasions together the last Heather’s surprise 50th that he managed to pull off. Our hearts are all broken and we are sending love and strength and comfort to Heather and the entire family. Xxx

    Carolyn Lee Jones
    22 Oct 2018
    3:44pm

    Heather you are in my prayers! Love Carolyn Jones

    Scott Mitchell
    15 Nov 2018
    7:38pm

    I had the absolute pleasure of working with Darrell for several years. He left an impact on all of those around him. His stories, his humor and his positive attitude were infectious. He will be truly missed but I am better for having known him. Rest In Peace DC.

    Susan Carlin
    15 Nov 2018
    8:00pm

    I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Darrell. I worked with holiness at Microsoft and always enjoyed my time spent with him. A wonderful person who knew what was important in life. My prayers to his family and with Darrell

    Peggy Conard
    22 May 2020
    8:30pm

    Heather, Hid Bless you. I pray he puts hiscc c arms around you & gives You peace. Lotsa love

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