James “Jim” Thomas Cunningham of Malibu passed away on July 2, 2014, at the age of 65. Jim was born to the late Roger and Harriet Cunningham on Aug. 16, 1948, in Defiance, Ohio.
Cunningham grew up on the beaches of Topanga and Malibu. Aside from being an expert of the sea, swimming and surfing, he created art and beauty throughout his lifetime as a designer, architect and builder of custom homes and campfires on the beach. Nothing was too small or too big; everything had the same importance and was given the same love.
He is survived by Heather, James Jr. (and wife Crystal), Jennifer, Wes, Tucker and Marcel —“the children he loved with all his heart,” a family member said. He was also a proud “Pippi” to his granddaughter, Layla, with a second granddaughter on the way (Grace) in November. Cunningham is also survived by brothers Stephen and Jack, and sisters Stephanie and Joan.
“He held his entire family dear to his heart and they will carry his love forward. Jim will surf the waves as he wished, riding free and wild,” a loved one said.
The family has decided to hold a private memorial. In lieu of flowers please donate to dog rescues and help keep the oceans clean, his family said.