James Matthew “Matt” Cunningham, Jr., age 71, of Brookfield, passed away, Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at University Hospital in Columbia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 28, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Brookfield. Visitation will be Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., with an Elks Session of Sorrow at 5:00 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield. A private burial will be at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Brookfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immaculate Conception Church or Brookfield Country Club may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, P.O. Box 496, Brookfield, MO 64628.
James Matthew, Jr., son of James Matthew, Sr. and Teresa Frances (Brueggen), was born September 16, 1951, in Mexico (Audrain County). On June 5, 1976, he married Marcia Kaye Edgar.
Retiring in 2011, Matt worked 40 years as an electrical lineman for Union Electric, now known as Ameren Missouri.
Matt was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and Elks Lodge #874, both of Brookfield. He was also a long-time member of the Brookfield County Club, where he enjoyed playing golf. Matt was an avid fan of the Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs and had a deep love for big bands and always enjoyed a good concert. Most of all, Matt loved boating on the lake and spending time with his family and friends on the porch.
Matt was a man of faith and had a passion for life. He had a great devotion to his wife and children and was a father figure to Steve Edgar, whom Matt and Marcia raised since he was 13 years old.
Survivors include his wife Marcia of the home; two children, James Matthew Cunningham, III “Trey” and wife, Jamie, and Reagan Allegri and husband, Daniel both of Kansas City; four grandchildren, Kenzie and Ataley Cunningham, and Gia and Rush Allegri; five siblings, John Cunningham and wife, Becky of Overland Park, Terry Cunningham of Brookfield, Michael Cunningham and wife, Cyrie of Kansas City, Kevin Cunningham of Pella, Iowa, and Kelly Luse and husband, Dave of Spokane, Washington; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a nephew, Shad Cunningham.
