John Charles Cunningham

In Loving Memory of John Charles Cunningham ****UPDATE**** A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday April 6, 2024 from 2-5 PM at the Plymouth High School Cafeteria, 8400 North Beck Road, Canton. Please visit Sally Cunningham's Facebook page to RSVP. Questions can be directed to the Funeral Home to pass along to the family. John Charles Cunningham, 78, of Plymouth, Michigan passed away October 21, 2023, of complications from a stroke. John was born February 18, 1945, in Petoskey, Michigan to the late Betty and Dick Cunningham. He was married for 55 years living the happiest, fullest years life could offer with family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Sally (Shalla), sons - Eric (Casie), Adam (Paula), and Ryan (Michelle) and three grandchildren, Sloane, Reese, and Logan. John's journey began in Alpena, Michigan, where he grew up with his parents Dick and Betty Cunningham. It was during his time in Alpena that he discovered his passion for golf while working on his family's golf course. He grew up hunting and fishing with his dad continuing these activities as a member of the Remington Hunting Club. John graduated from the University of Michigan with his masters and a member of the gymnastics team. John's impact on education was immeasurable as he dedicated 40 years of his life to teaching science fiction and literature at Plymouth Canton High School. His love for literature lives on through the thousands of students he taught, the stories he told during class and the countless friendships he formed with his colleagues over the years. Having summers off allowed him to move his family forward with his ability to do roofing and siding with his best friend Al DuBois. This “Cunningham Construction Co.” was a chance to pass on skills to his sons, who worked with him every summer, and also to save and build his dream house where he and Sally still lived today. He pitched in modified fast pitch softball leagues well into his 60s proudly playing with all three of his sons. He cherished coaching his sons in basketball, baseball, and gymnastics--never missing their games. His greatest passion was gymnastics, which he poured his heart and soul into for over 55 years. The Canton High Schools gymnastics program forever changed when John started coaching. John's influence was evident in the love and support he received from his gymnasts over the years. Known affectionately as JC or Jayce by all who knew him, his impact on his "gym daughters" was profound and enduring. He was able to coach thousands of gymnasts and still found a way to show each one they were special and important. He was more than their coach. He not only helped them with gymnastics, but also their everyday life. He was a mentor and a shoulder to cry on. It didn’t matter if it was your first day doing gymnastics or if you were on his state championship team in 2014. He knew what a powerful experience being a part of a team is and shared that with every single girl who crossed into the gym. His coaching activities, organizations and contributions came with many accolades such as being inducted into four Hall of Fames at the national, state, local, and a special one to him--his hometown Hall of Fame. These among many others highlighted the mark he left on the sporting world. He had a fondness for life's simple pleasures--a bottle of Diet Mountain Dew, feeding the birds, crossword puzzles and playing Words with Friends. He cared for his wife dearly walking 11,000 steps-a- day with her for three years straight enjoying every flower and cat they crossed to ensure he could travel the world with her and continue to play golf and poker with his friends. If you knew John, he was known for savoring the sites and the food, and striking up conversation with anyone who caught his infectious smile and jovial tone. John Charles Cunningham's memory will live on through the lives he touched, the lessons he imparted, the love he shared with his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten. A celebration of life is being planned to honor him in April. If you would like to contribute to his legacy, please go to his Go Fund Me page: https:/www.gofundme.com/f/john-cunninghams-legacy. Arrangements by Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Plymouth, Michigan

John Charles Cunningham

February 18, 1945 - October 21, 2023