Jim Cunningham, 76, of Dawsonville, died Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Limestone Heritage following a period of declining health.

A native of Mississippi, he had lived in Dawson County for 23 years having moved from Roswell.

Mr. Cunningham was a former national sales manager for DAP, Inc.

In 1968 he founded Cunningham Sales which was a manufacturer's representative company for paint sundry items which he warehoused and shipped to the southeastern United States. He was one of the first suppliers to the newly formed Home Depot which consisted of three stores.

He retired in 1985 after which he worked as a real estate agent and broker.

An accomplished artist, he worked from his home studio and his work can be seen in many of Dawson County's public buildings and churches.

He swerved as Head Bailiff in Dawson County for two years and was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a member  of Concord Baptist Church, but also attended the Dawsonville Church of God of Prophecy.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Doris Cunningham of Dawsonville; daughters and son-in-law, Teresa and Douglas Johnson of  Cumming, Cathy Hanes of Gainesville; sister-in-law, B.J. Farley of Dawsonville; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bert Brooks officiating. Interment followed in the Dawsonville Memorial Gardens.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.

Dawson Community News

July 16, 2008