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Obituary posted by : Colleen Cunningham , daughter | Person Description | James (Jim) Patrick Cunningham, also known as “15”, passed away on January 16, 2015 in Florida after an extended period of illness. Jim was born on July 21, 1943 to Andrew and Alice Cunningham. He was one of five children and the only son. Jim, a former racehorse trainer, spent most of his career at Thistledown Racetrack in Cleveland, OH. After he retired from training racehorses, he drove a horse van for several years before retiring due to health issues. He moved to Florida in his later years to escape the harsh Ohio winters. He is survived by his loving daughter, Colleen Cunningham (Golden, CO); his ex-wife, Andrea Cunningham (Weatherford, TX); and his sisters: Kay Schultz (St. Petersburg, FL), Connie Chiocchio (Cleveland, OH), Patty Marvin (Chantilly, VA) and their families. His youngest sister, Mary Beth, passed away on December 23, 2004. The family is holding a private ceremony in Florida, but is sponsoring the 2nd race at Tampa Bay Downs Racetrack on January 24, 2015 in Jim’s memory and encourages all interested parties to attend and share their memories of Jim. If you wish to honor Jim’s memory, his daughter encourages you to donate in his memory to CANTER (Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) at www.canterusa.org. | Service Information |  Contributor : Carla Varos | What a kind-hearted soul Jimmy was! So laid back, easy going... He always made you feel welcome and that you mattered. I will miss the funny stories that made my stomach ache from laughing so hard! The Chinese glasses at the boat show box office, trying to find the keys to the show trailer! Oh those were the days! I am ever, EVER so grateful to have known Jimmy, shared many memories, but most importantly, to have been able to call him my friend! I\'ll miss ya Big Guy! Contributor : David and Barb Burke We knew Jimmy through the boat show where we worked with him. He was a kind and giving person who will be missed dearly. Our sympathy to the family. Contributor : Lynn Rhome Big Jim has been missed for many years by all his Boat Show buddies- and will now be missed by all. His sense of humor was surpassed by none! Love you Jimmy! Contributor : Karen Johnson Fletterick Jimmy\'s stories were priceless. Made us laugh and made us cry. But kept us entertained during those long weeks and late nights at the Boat Show!! Extended sympathy & prayers to all who new and loved him. | ||||||||||||||||||||