Edward James Cunningham 1933-2025
Edward J. Cunningham, 91, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Cedarhurst Senior Living, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on October 30, 1933, in Chicago, the son of James A. and Elizabeth (Berkley) Cunningham. Edward married Caroline C. Lanham on June 27, 1964, in Champaign, IL.
Ed grew up in Barrington, Illinois. He attended the Ashville School and The Hotchkiss School, before earning his undergraduate degree in history from Yale University in 1957, and his Juris Doctor from University of Chicago in 1960. He also studied at the Hague Academy of International Law.
Ed started his professional career with Dallstream & Schiff in Chicago. He then became a trial attorney with the National Labor Relations Board, before deciding to move to Springfield in 1965 and accepting a position with Brown, Hay & Stephens. Ed practiced law for over 50 years.
In childhood, he was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed skiing and hiking in Colorado, horseback riding in Wyoming, sailing, and traveling in Europe. He also spent a year living in Brazil while his father was working for the US Rubber Corporation. During the summers, he worked as a lumberjack, a member of the ski patrol, and for United Airlines. Due to his travels, he developed a strong interest in history and justice.
Through his schooling, Ed developed an incredible intellect, work ethic, love of writing and passion for numerous causes. He was one of the individuals that started the Springfield YMCA soccer program, petitioned the Springfield School District to have soccer in the schools, was a founding member of the Illinois Hospital Association, taught healthcare law at Sangamon State University, served on the Board of Directors of the Springfield World Affairs Council, and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church.
His favorite author was Ernest Hemingway. He admired Hemingway’s adventurous spirit, intellect, concise style, and rugged individualism. Ed published his own book titled “The Perfect Patsy”. In his later years, he enjoyed painting and was a docent at the Lincoln Presidential Library.
Ed had a strong sense of compassion for people in need. In addition to multiple humanitarian trips to Cuba, his most compassionate side was seen in his later years, taking care of his daughter, Christie, after she became diagnosed with Mitochondrial disease. He advocated for her and lovingly brought her McDonald’s Vanilla Lattes, and listened to her discuss her incredible support and knowledge of Cardinals baseball.
He was an exercise enthusiast. He enjoyed skiing, golfing, riding horses, and sailing. He was one of the first to start biking to work in the sixties and fought the restrictions related to taking his bike in the elevators at work, he petitioned the park district to allow road skies in the park and was one of the first people to start windsurfing in Springfield. Often his children would have to take turns exercising with him to keep up his exercise routines and newest interests.
As a father, he was unwavering in his beliefs and wanted his kids to become their own people. He was a man of character and conviction, but did not impose his views on his children or others. He would quietly listen to other people's points of view to learn about their various perspectives and broaden his knowledge.
He was asked in an Illinois Supreme Court Historical Preservation Commission interview what he would want to be remembered for or what is his legacy. He stated: “I don’t suppose I have a legacy; being a fair-minded lawyer who tried to resolve contentious issues and was fairly successful in that. I would like to also be remembered as a father of four wonderful kids, and a husband of a wife that has put up with my ups and downs, and is a wonderful lady”.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christina Cunningham; and brother-in-law, Robert Coulson.
Ed is survived by his wife, Caroline Cunningham of Springfield; daughter, Carrie (Mark) Pennell of Sherman, IL; sons, Edward “Clark” (Martha) Cunningham of Springfield and Curtis J. (Theresa) Cunningham of Monona, WI; grandchildren, Jake, Olivia, and Mia Pennell, and Allison, Vivian, and Frederick Cunningham; siblings, Cynthia Coulson of Riverside, CT and Michael J. (Becky) Cunningham of Evergreen, CO; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7th St., Springfield, followed by the Funeral at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Susan Phillips officiating.
Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, following services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the YMCA of Springfield Soccer Program in memory of Edward Cunningham, and mailed to 5 Lawrence Square, Springfield, IL 62704.
The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield.