James T. Cunningham

James T. Cunningham passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2019, at his home in Monroe. His wife, Catherine, his children and his grandchildren were at his side.
The son of James and Frances Ahern Cunningham, he was born Aug. 26, 1936, in Montgomery.
James graduated from Montgomery High School in 1956. While in high school, he was a four-year member of numerous sports teams, but especially relished his time on the basketball court and the baseball field.
After high school, James joined the Army, where he was briefly stationed in Korea. Upon his return from the Army, he began working at Central Hudson in Newburgh, where he worked for 35 years. He ended his career there as a line foreman.
James was an active member of the community and belonged to several organizations. He was a volunteer fireman in Montgomery for 25 years. He belonged to the IBEW Local #320 in Poughkeepsie and belonged to Sacred Heart Church in Monroe.
His family would like to thank Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties for their tireless efforts in his care. They would like to especially recognize his nurse Jessica, his physical therapist Krisel and his caregivers Julie, Jennifer, Vanessa and Yvette.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Catherine Cunningham of Monroe; his son Hugh F. Byrne and his wife Marie of Craigsville and son Kevin M. Byrne of Monroe; his daughter Catherine T. Seavey and her husband Philip of Litchfield, N.H., and daughter Ann M. Romano of Los Gatos, California; his brother-in-law Steve Jones; his cousin Marion Wild of Montgomery; and his eight grandchildren: Michael, Amanda, Kellie, Brian, Matt, Hugh Jr., Chris and Nicole; his three great grandchildren: Emerson, Emilia and Henry.
James also leaves behind his close friends Claire, Vi and Danny.
He is predeceased by his son, Michael S. Byrne, and his sister, Margaret Lawrence.
Visitation was held July 9 at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home in Monroe.
A Funeral Mass followed at Sacred Heart Church in Monroe.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home (845-782-8185; www.ssqfuneralhome.com).