John J. Cunningham Sr.

In Loving Memory of John J. Cunningham Sr.

John J. Cunningham Sr., a loving father, grandfather and wonderful friend to so many, passed away on December 2nd, 2025, surrounded by family. John was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico by his beautiful mother, Christine Cunningham and nanny Filomena Baca. His father passed away when he was an infant. He attended grades 1-12 at St. Michael’s High School. After graduation he served his Alma Mater as Alumni President for 4 years.

John had a distinguished career in procurement and acquisition services, spending 34 years with the federal government. He began his federal service in 1963 with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as a general supply clerk. His commitment and expertise led him through numerous roles, including purchasing agent, administrative officer, and procurement analyst.

Over the years, John worked in Santa Fe, Denver, Phoenix, and Arizona, eventually serving as a procurement analyst and business utilization development specialist at the BLM Denver Service Center. In 1987, he became the Denver Regional Procurement Center Representative for the Small Business Administration, championing opportunities for small and minority businesses, including Native American governments.

For the last eight years of his career, John represented Reclamation in legislative and regulatory development for the Indian Self-Determination Program, earning recognition for his leadership and innovation in acquisition policy. His contributions were honored with the Superior Performance Award from BLM in 1970 and a Special Performance Award from Reclamation in 1992. After retirement, John began freelance teaching for several years. He held a business administration degree from the College of Santa Fe and Red Rocks Community College.

John’s passions extended beyond his professional life. He enjoyed playing golf with his friends and he loved gourmet cooking, especially Italian and New Mexican style cuisine. He loved western movies and had quite a collection.

He had a special love for all animals, especially his dogs, Letty, Ruger and Max. He was an amazing father to John Jr. and Letitia and grandfather to all his grandchildren. He shared how proud he was of his children and grandchildren with anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his loving family, John J. Cunningham Jr. (Kerith), grandchildren; Hunter and Keara Cunningham, Morgan Tobey (Griffin), Linden Gray, and Letitia Harper (Alan), grandchildren; Matthew and Ryan Harper. Nephew Walter Cunningham, Niece, Michelle Cunningham, Niece Jennifer Roybal (Stephan) and friends Jean and Bob Classen, Dan Sedlock, John Esquibel and Susan Van Newhouse. He was preceded in death by his parents Romeo and Christine Cunningham and brother Michael Cunningham (Charlotte), Angela Camp and Michael Cunningham Jr.

We will always remember our father as someone who loved to make us laugh and who enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, neighbors and animals. We miss and love him dearly.