Roseland in New Jersey is feeling really sad right now because a kind and well-known resident, James Hugh Cunningham, passed away. Many people in the area knew him through sports and recreation programs. I also lived in a busy town before, and when someone like him leaves, the whole place feels different.
Everyone mostly called him Jim. He died on December 2, 2025, at the age of 59 after battling ALS for a long time. His family was with him at Villa Marie Claire Hospice in Saddle River, New Jersey. They stayed by his side until his last moment.
Jim was born on February 11, 1966. His parents, Marion and John R. Cunningham, were from West Orange. He grew up around sports and community activities. Later in life, he became someone many families depended on for youth programs. I also attended small sports camps when I was younger, and I know how important it is to have someone like him guiding kids.
He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School for 8 years. After that, he studied at Seton Hall Preparatory High School and graduated in 1984. He then attended Kean University and earned a degree in Recreation Administration. He once felt he could never sit in an office for long, so he chose work that kept him active.
Jim spent almost his whole life within a few miles of where he was born. His life was filled with family time, friendships, and service to the people around him. He loved building places where people could meet, talk, and enjoy activities together. He helped organize holiday events, planned camping activities, created playgrounds, and supported youth sports leagues. I remember attending events like these in school, and I can imagine how much effort he put into them.
At twenty-three, he moved from the West Orange Department of Public Works to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Although this job involved more office work, he soon realized it was the right path for him. He stayed in West Orange for more than 20 years, helping create youth programs and open-space plans, and supporting children and young adults with special needs.
In 2007, he became the Director of Community Services for Verona Township. He managed recreation and sports programs, senior services, health programs, and essential community records. Over thirty-five years, he shaped many programs in both towns, and many people still remember him for that. He also worked with the New Jersey Recreation Professionals Association in various vital roles.
Jim loved the outdoors. In the early 1990s, he joined a Catholic young adult program called SEARCH. That’s when he discovered his passion for hiking and camping. From then on, he tried to spend time outdoors whenever he could. He went on three backpacking trips in the Grand Canyon and even guided Boy Scouts on a long hike on the Appalachian Trail during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also enjoy spending time outside, so I understand why those moments were special to him.
One of his favorite activities was planning an annual family camping trip at Lake George in New York. His family has kept this tradition going for thirty-five years, and it has become a strong tradition for three generations.
Jim also volunteered with Cub Scout Pack 801 and later with Boy Scout Troop 3 in Caldwell. He served as a chair member, a committee member, and eventually as Scoutmaster. He guided his two sons in scouting and enjoyed mentoring many young kids. It meant a lot to him that both his sons became Eagle Scouts.
Jim is survived by his wife of twenty-six years, Mary Burke Cunningham. He also leaves behind his sons, John (twenty-four) and Brennan (twenty), along with his brothers and sister: John, Ann, Michael, Daniel, and Thomas. He leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Anne and Phillip Napoli, and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. His family is quite large, showing how many people were close to him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Kathleen Amann, and his niece Kassandra Amann.
His family planned a memorial service for him on Friday, December 5, at Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Orange. He will be cremated privately.
The family requested that people send donations to the Push for Progress to End ALS Campaign at IAMALS.ORG instead of flowers. ALS is a very challenging illness, and this support can help others who are going through the same pain. You may also be interested in: Former Clarendon County Softball Player Jessie Way Passes Away At 31
