James J. Cunnane passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection. Jim was a loved and admired husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend. He is survived by his beloved children, Jim Jr. (Jennifer) and Cori Stebelman (Scott); his grandchildren, Victoria, Cade, and Brendan Cunnane, and Caitlin, Maggie, and Bridget Stebelman; his brother Bill (Cathy); and many relatives and friends.
Jim grew up in Philadelphia with his beloved four brothers and parents, Tom and Mary. He and his brothers excelled academically, and Jim was honored as the valedictorian of his high school class. He went on to earn an undergraduate accounting degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, working as a grocery bagger to help pay his way through school. He served in the U.S. Army reserves for 6 years, reaching a rank of Sergeant. He later obtained an MBA from Temple University.
Jim lived a truly fulfilling life by focusing on faith, family, and finances. While in Philadelphia, he married Edith, the love of his life, and together they raised their two children, Jim and Cori. He cherished his family deeply, earning the affectionate nicknames "Pirate Pops and Popsy Boy" from his adoring grandchildren. As a brother and in-law, he was always there with a wise word or a helping hand.
Jim had a distinguished career in finance, holding accounting roles at ITE Corp in Philadelphia before becoming Controller at Gould in Chicago. He later joined General Dynamics in St. Louis, rising to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Later in his career, he served as a consultant to major corporations; and, more meaningfully to him, as a mentor and advisor to small businesses, where he took great pride in guiding others to success. His greatest joy in his retirement years was working alongside his children.
Jim dedicated his time and expertise to causes close to his heart, especially Catholic education. He taught accounting part-time at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's University. When the Archdiocese of St. Louis formed a Finance Council and Archdiocesan Fund, he was appointed as a trustee for both. He was also a devoted supporter of the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation and its mission to expand access to Catholic education. His service was recognized with numerous honors, including being named a Knight in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in 1987. He most enjoyed supporting Edith during the formative years of St. Patrick Center.
What Jim will be remembered for is his sharp mind, steady guidance, strategic approach, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He was never afraid to ask the tough question. Whether offering wisdom in times of challenge, sharing a quiet moment of reflection, or lending a helping hand, he touched countless lives with kindness and grace. He treasured a good view, especially a sunset from his deck overlooking the Gulf in Naples, Florida. He was usually there with a Diet Pepsi and something sweet in hand. He had a lifelong love of trains and classic cars, collecting model train sets in his younger years and admiring vintage automobiles later in life.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 10 a.m. at Incarnate Word Parish, 13416 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO. There will be a brief visitation starting at 9:30 am at the same location. A celebration of life will follow at Bellerive Country Club, 12925 Ladue Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick Center, 800 N. Tucker Blvd, St. Louis, MO, https://www.stpatrickcenter.org/ or the Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation, 20 Archbishop May Dr, St. Louis, MO. https://ttef-stl.org/

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