Obituary: James Cunningham, 74, Elmhurst College Jazz Festival's 'Most Ardent Supporter'

Elmhurst College Dean of Students Emeritus James Cunningham, a longtime producer and emcee of the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, died in his Elmhurst home on April 6. He was 74.

During his 35-year career at Elmhurst College as dean of students and a professor of education, James Cunningham devoted himself to enriching the academic and cultural life of Elmhurst students.

But his greatest legacy at Elmhurst may be one that has benefited not only Elmhurst College students, but students from all over the world and everyone who loves jazz.

James Cunningham joined Elmhurst College in 1968 as associate dean of students and director of the College Union, now the Frick Center. He became dean of students in 1973, and for the next two decades expanded and enhanced student-related services and activities such as the Union Board, athletic facilities and Greek life offerings. He also chartered the College’s chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership and scholarship honor society, and co-wrote the school fight song, Elmhurst to Victory. In 2003 Dr. Cunningham was inducted into the College’s Bluejay Backer Hall of Fame, and in 2004 he was named dean of students emeritus.

From 1993 until his retirement in 2003, Professor Cunningham taught in the College’s education department. He established the department’s first study-abroad course, taking students to London to work in the schools there.

It was while he was dean of students that Dr. Cunningham laid the foundation for the modern-day Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. The College’s first jazz festival began in 1968 as part of the American College Jazz Festival, a series of competitions held around the country. When the American College Jazz Festival ceased operations in 1973, Dr. Cunningham fought to carry on the festival, but as an event that emphasized education over competition.

He produced the Jazz Festival for 20 years, nurturing what has become one of the country’s  oldest and best collegiate jazz festivals, and one that draws the industry’s top professional performers and the leading college bands from across the nation and around the world.

After retiring from the College in 2003, Dr. Cunningham remained involved with the Jazz Festival, serving as the primary emcee, a consultant and the Festival’s most ardent supporter. He attended this year’s Jazz Festival, where trumpeter Byron Stripling paid tribute to him on the festival’s last day.

“Without Jim’s presence and support, the Jazz Studies Program, the Elmhurst College Jazz Band and much of the music department as we know it today would likely never have attained much of the success that we have all been so fortunate to be a part of,” said Festival director Doug Beach, who also is director of the Jazz Studies Program and the Jazz Band. “The Jazz Festival, which just celebrated its 46th year, would be a mere footnote in the College’s history were it not for Jim’s foresight and guidance in its early years.

“He had great vision and wisdom, and he loved the arts and was there to support them,” Beach added. “The Festival is his lasting legacy. He also was a trusted advisor, a critic whose words always warranted a listen, and the closest of friends. He is not replaceable.”

Dr. Cunningham is survived by his wife, Deborah; his son, Mark; his daughter, Amy; and one grandchild.

A visitation will be held at the Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, on Sunday, April 14, from 2 to 6 p.m. A Celebration of Life service in his honor will be held at Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave.,  beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, April 29.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival at Elmhurst College would be appreciated. To make your gift, please call the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at (630) 617-6424. Gifts also may be mailed to Elmhurst College, Attn: Office of Development, 190 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. Checks should be made payable to Elmhurst College, and the memo line should reference the Jim Cunningham Memorial.

Source: Elmhurst College