Wesley “Jim” Cunningham

Cunningham, Wesley J., 75, January 11, 2008.  Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.  Interment to be held in the spring in St. Benedict’s Cemetery.
    SHERMAN – Wesley J. Cunningham, 75, passed away Jan. 11, 2008, surrounded by his family, at his home. He was born Oct. 26, 1931, in Patten, the son of Wesley and Clara (Silva) Cunningham.
    Jim began his career as a woodsman at the age of 16, retiring in 1990. He then went to work at Baxter State Park, where he worked for nine years sawing, splitting and tying firewood for various campsites. He was an avid fisherman and loved sports, especially basketball and baseball. Jim was an active member of St. Benedict's Parish and a valued member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Benedict Council No. 1859, for more than 45 years.
    He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anne (McAvoy) Cunningham; two daughters, Joan and her husband, Clayton, of Belfast and Patty and her husband, Dan, of Holden; four sons, James and his wife, Mary, of Benedicta, Douglas and his wife, Paige, of Benedicta, Robert and his wife, Chris, of Sherman and Richard, also of Sherman. Jim was blessed with thirteen grand-children, three step-grand-children, ten great-grand-children; and a very special brother-in-law, Everett McAvoy, who has made his home with him and Anne for 38 years. He is also survived by two sisters, Pat Coolong of Patten and Anita Martin-Dolly of Caribou; and one brother, Wayne of Florida. He was predeceased by his parents and four sisters.
    Friends and family called 6-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, Benedicta. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at St. Benedict's with Father Joel Cyr officiating, assisted by Deacon Dan Watson. Spring interment will be at St. Benedict's Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in Jim's memory to Hospice of Aroostook, 2 Water St., Suite 1, Houlton, ME 04730. Arrangements by Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls.