James W. Cunningham, Jr.

Rensselaer-James W. Cunningham, Jr was born to Eva Ella LaPradd and James William Cunningham, Sr of Rensselaer NY on February 24, 1949, and died peacefully while receiving comfort care at Mission Care nursing home in Bennington, VT. James was predeceased by his parents, and he remained single with no dependents.

James lived a unique life filled with both hardship and inspiration, and longer than anyone would have imagined. Being born in 1949 with Cerebral Palsy, such a physical challenge would have been enough. However, he arrived at a time when doctors still too often advised parents, "it will be very difficult for you, so plan on an institution for him." Thus, much of his early years were spent away from home in rehabilitation hospitals, continuing into a decades long period of institutionalization. Ranging from later childhood at the infamous Rome State School, to Sunmount Developmental Center in the Adirondack mountains (as a teen), to a variety of adult nursing homes throughout the Capital District (as a young adult among the elderly), he experienced the benefits of formal services as well as the trauma of abusive practices. Yet, he remained an amazingly resilient individual. One who became a fierce advocate for himself, as well as others who were disabled, and who had to live with the necessity of care from the complex world of health and human services. 

While having received an education only at an elementary school level, James was a brilliant man, with a nearly photographic memory. And he was a voracious adult learner. Through self-study, he became deeply knowledgeable about many topics, including: the British monarchy, laws and regulations impacting people with disabilities, papal history, and the Shroud of Turin. James became a certified numismatist (coin-appraiser), gained a ham radio license at age 32, and was a certified mixologist (volunteering as an assistant bartender at numerous community events). He was known for readily giving others recipes for his favorite foods, and informing them of the "proper way" of making cocktails. James also enjoyed engaging in energetic and well-informed political discussions.

He was a devote Roman Catholic, grew up within the Parish of St John the Evangelist, and remained a staunch advocate for the Latin mass. As a life member of the Knights of Columbus, he attained a 4th degree. James had a sharp wit and a keen sense of humor, which did much to help him cope with the realities of being physically dependent, at a time that preceded the sensibilities and the rights granted by the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Through countless interactions with the health care system as a child and an adult, he was served by many deeply skillful and compassionate caregivers, while also suffering at the hands of those who were biased and exploitive.

James finally left institutional life (from Barnwell Nursing Home in Valatie NY) at the age of 40, and moved into an apartment at Van Rensselaer Heights in his hometown of Rensselaer. Life was looking up. He achieved independent living for the first time in his life. He was making plans and setting goals, especially to travel to the UK and immerse himself in his genealogy. Unfortunately, three years later he became the victim of a negligence accident on June 24, 1992, resulting in a leg amputation. After a prolonged legal battle he eventually won him a financial award, allowing him to buy his own disability-designed home in Hudson NY. James had a good life there for over 17 years. 

Life then brought another turn. He had to leave his home after losing his money at the hands of an exploitive and unscrupulous financial advisor. Circumstances soon led him to Vermont, where, uprooted, he began an arduous journey of living in numerous official and unofficial "adult family care homes" throughout the state for over 13 years.

A source of joy in his life for decades were his tropical birds. Sarah Elizabeth - a cockatoo born 03/05/1991, and Alexander George - an African Gray parrot born 01/01/1990, were his steadfast companions. James always insisted that they live with him through all his relocations. His deep feelings for them even led to them being officially designated as emotional support animals. They are now fostered and well cared for by others, as they live out their long natural lives.

Over the years, James fought numerous battles with institutions, systems, doctors and caregivers. He embodied the idea of speaking truth to power, many times enlisting Legal Aid services to defend his rights...and winning! Even as the years took their toll on his body, eventually resulting in becoming quadriplegic, he never stopped fighting for what he deserved, and he remained fully in charge of his affairs right to the end.

All are grateful for the kind and compassionate care he received at Mission Care nursing home in Bennington VT. He was truly a one-of-a-kind person, who modeled a remarkable capacity to never give up fighting for what one needs, and for what was right and just. James will be missed. 

Burial was held in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush, NY.