Roseland, New Jersey Native and Longtime Recreation Professional James Hugh Cunningham,59, Dies After Courageous Battle With ALS, Survived By Wife, Mary, and Family
NewsSuruchiDecember 4, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on December 4, 2026
The Roseland, New Jersey community is mourning the untimely death of beloved resident and longtime reaction professional, James Hugh Cunningham.
James ‘Jim’ Cunningham passed away on December 2, 2026, at an untimely age of 59, following complications related to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS-Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
He was surrounded by his family and supported by the care team at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River, New Jersey, when he took his last breath.
Born on February 11, 1966, to parents Marion and John R. “Dick’ Cunningham of West Orange, New Jersey, Jim Cunningham was a cherished member of New Jersey’s sports community.
He devoted his career to fostering sports and recreation in his community and touched the lives of several young athletes.
Despite his diagnosis with ALS, Jim bravely fought his battle and continued to do things he loved the most.
James Cunningham attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School for eight years and graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory High School in 1984.
Furthermore, after earning his undergraduate degree in Recreation Administration from Kean University, Jim realized that he was not meant to work at a desk and began his career as a recreation professional.
Late James Hugh Cunningham Served in Several Leadership Positions as Recreation Professional
James’ Jim’ Cunningham spent his entire life living and working within just three miles of his birthplace.
His life was rich, joyful, and deeply rooted in family, friendships, and service to the community.
Creating spaces for connection came naturally to Jim. Whether organizing holiday events, planning a campout, building playgrounds, or coordinating youth sports leagues, he loved bringing people together.
Although he once vowed he’d never work behind a desk, at 23 he was persuaded to leave a groundskeeping job he loved with the West Orange Department of Public Works to join the township’s Department of Parks & Recreation as a program coordinator.
Despite the desk job, he found his true calling. Jim went on to serve the West Orange community for more than twenty years, developing youth sports programs, championing open space projects, and advancing inclusion efforts for children and young adults with special needs.
In 2007, he became Director of Community Services for Verona Township, leading recreation and sports programming, senior services, health initiatives, and vital statistics/registrar functions.
Over 35 years between both municipalities, Jim shaped community recreation programs that welcomed individuals of all abilities and earned numerous local and state awards for his dedication and leadership.
He also served in several key roles with the New Jersey Recreation Professionals Association.
Jim’s passion for the outdoors began in the early 1990s while participating in SEARCH, a Catholic young adult program, where he discovered hiking and camping — interests that became lifelong.
He seized every chance to hit a trail or plan a campout, whether with family, friends, or newcomers.
He was especially proud of completing three backpacking trips through the Grand Canyon and guiding Boy Scouts on a 40-mile Appalachian Trail hike through Essex County during the COVID pandemic.
One of his greatest joys was organizing the annual family camping trip on Lake George, New York — a tradition now 35 years strong and cherished across three generations.
A dedicated volunteer with Cub Scout Pack 801 and later Boy Scout Troop 3-Caldwell, Jim served as committee member/chair (2013–2018) and Scoutmaster (2019–2026).
Supporting his sons through scouting, camping alongside them, and mentoring young people brought him immense joy.
Jim often said his work with the Scouts of America was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life, and he took great pride in raising two Eagle Scouts.
James Cunningham is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Burke Cunningham, sons John (Jack) Cunningham, 24, and Brennan Cunningham,20, his siblings, John (Maureen) Cunningham, Ann Cunningham, Michael (Aileen) Cunningham, Daniel (Judene) Cunningham, and Thomas (Kristen) Cunningham.
He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Phillip Napoli, 12 nieces and nephews, 9 great nieces and nephews, and the entire family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen Amann, and his niece, Kassandra Amann.
His family has organized a memorial service for the late James on Friday, December 5, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main St. in West Orange.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1 Eagle Rock Ave., in West Orange. Cremation will be private.
Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Push for Progress to End ALS Campaign at IAMALS.ORG.
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SuruchiSuruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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