James "Jim" Jay Cunningham

James "Jim" Jay Cunningham

March 20, 1962 – May 20, 2025

James “Jim” Jay Cunningham, 63, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on May 20, 2025, due to complications from VEXAS syndrome, a rare and recently identified autoinflammatory condition that primarily affects men later in life and can cause a range of serious symptoms including inflammation, blood abnormalities, and organ damage.

Jim was born on March 20, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa, and remained a lifelong resident of the city he loved. He attended Lincoln High School and was known for being a hard worker with a gift for working with his hands. Jim spent his career as a skilled floor installer and carpenter. He was the kind of man you could count on to fix almost anything and was always ready to lend a hand.

He is survived by his loving wife, Toni Cunningham; daughter, Anita Cunningham; son, Thomas Cunningham; brothers, Johnny Cunningham and Carl Cunningham (Debbie); and several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Billy Cunningham, and his sister Anita Cunningham.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, sense of humor, and the craftsmanship he brought to every project. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the work he so proudly completed.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Church at Union Park (formerly Union Park Baptist Church), located at 821 Arthur Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Jim’s memory to a VEXAS syndrome research fund or a charity of your choice.