James Bruce Cummingham

James B. Cunninham, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 20, 2026 in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. Born on September 16, 1953 in Hudson, Ohio to James and Joy Cunningham, Jim grew up full of life, with a strong love for music and education.

Jim graduated from Hudson High School (Hudson, Ohio) in 1971 and Kent State University. He later earned a graduate degree in taxation from Capital University School of Law (Columbus, Ohio) in 1999. While working in the field Jim became a strong advocate for education and later began teaching at Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. He had a passion for writing, singing, and playing music with his band, as well as golfing and spending time with family and his closest friends, which he had a lot of. Jim will be deeply missed and always remembered by family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Landa Jo Howe (Shelton) of Columbus, Ohio; step-children Brandon (Alissa) Howe, Bryan Howe, and Bill Galilei; step-grandchildren Dylan (Alanah) Howe, Lacei Howe, Cayla Lechler, Blaze Howe, Bentley Howe, Penelope Howe, Olivia Howe, Nevaeh Howe, Xane Howe and Avaiah Howe; great granddaughter, Oakley Howe; his nieces, Astrid Anderson and Irene Janzen; sister-in-law Nolanda (John) Podolski; and brother-in-law Janus Nolso. Jim is preceded in death by his sister - Denise Nolso, father – James Cunningham, mother – Joy Cunningham, and sister-in-law Kathy Clark.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday September 10, 2026 from 2pm to 4pm at High Street Baptist Church, 7399 North High Street., Columbus, OH, 43235.