RAPID CITY – Dr. James Cunningham, D.D.S, 89, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2024. He was born on January 23, 1935, in Grand Island, Nebraska to Gerald and Hilda (Yankton) Cunningham.  Dr. Cunningham attended Creighton University Dental School and graduated in 1960.  He married Karen Ann Sheehan, the love of his life and together they grew their family to include six children.

Dr. Cunningham was active in his profession and in addition to practicing dentistry, he served on the Creighton University Alumni Board in 1994, was Past President of the Black Hills District Dental Society and served for ten years as a Trustee for the Black Hills Dental Association.  In the spirit of serving others, he traveled to Romania on two occasions to provide dental care to those in need.

Ultimately, he loved his children and truly put them first in his life attending many a little league game, enjoying ski trips and graduations with them.

He is survived by his children; Lori Robinson (Gary) of Rapid City, Kelly Shank (Alan) of Arizona, Bill Cunningham (Dawn) of Wisconsin, Kim Cunningham (Mike Coughlin) of Sioux Falls, Shawn Cunningham (Maggie) of Arizona and Pat Cunningham (Rachel) of Arizona.  He also leaves behind his 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren who lovingly knew him as "Bobo" as well as other loving family members and friends.

Dr. Cunningham was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kay Dunn.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.  A Christian Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at St. Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church on Tuesday, August 13, with a meal to follow.  Burial will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made in Dr. Cunningham's memory to: St. Joseph's Indian School, 1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325.