He was a superb writer and an engaging historian, with more than 50 books to his credit.
Even more impressive was John Cunningham’s zest for life.
John, whose books taught generations of schoolkids about New Jersey history, died Thursday afternoon at Morristown Memorial Hospital. He would have turned 97 later this month.
When we first met in 2007, John was 92 and promoting his latest book, The Uncertain Revolution, a crisp account of Morristown’s pivotal role in the war for independence.
John’s talk was one of the first stories posted on MorristownGreen.com, and for me it remains among the most memorable. John spoke for 42 minutes. . . and the huge audience gladly would have listened for 42 more. Here is video of his bravura performance:
That evening inspired the creation of the North Jersey American Revolution Round Table, which meets monthly in Morristown to preserve the history that meant so much to John.
The Uncertain Revolution, meanwhile, became Morristown: Where America Survived, a documentary produced by the former NJN. It premiered in October 2009 before a big crowd at Morristown’s Community Theatre–a place memorialized by John, a 1932 graduate of Morristown High School, in his book, The Miracle on South Street.
“The books pile up in my head. And I’m well enough to get most of them out,” the Florham Park resident told me.
At the premiere, John gave a rousing speech exhorting listeners to remember U.S. history. . . and then confessed that he had left his prepared remarks under a chair. The theater roared with laughter.
At an event last year, he said an actor portraying Alexander Hamilton came pretty close to the real thing.
“I knew him,” John said.
Meaning the original Alexander Hamilton.
And how was the Hard Winter of 1780?
“Cold,” he replied.
‘A MARVELOUS MAN’
“He was kind and smart and funny. He was a marvelous man,” said Judy Kendall, a retired schoolteacher who had used John’s books in her classroom. She became the widower’s faithful friend, taking John to the theater and to holiday concerts at the Morristown United Methodist Church.
Health issues kept John from attending a 2010 tribute by the Morris County Tourism Bureau. But Gov. Chris Christie was there and fondly recalled reading John’s history books in the 4th grade.
The governor praised the historian for opening “so many people’s eyes to how great New Jersey is, how wonderful our history is, but just as important, how wonderful our future can be.”
John was gracious and generous with praise. In 2008 he wrote a colorful piece for MG about the late pianist Alexander Slobodyanuk and his push to save the Community Theatre from ruin. Five weeks ago, John emailed comments for a profile of Steve Wiley, a prodigious fundraiser for the theater, the Morristown & Township Library and the Morristown Green.
“I often called Steve Wiley ‘Mr. Morristown,'” John wrote. “If his name was attached to any project, it was worthwhile. If it was good for Morristown, Steve Wiley would be involved and the project would be a success.”
A former reporter for the Daily Record and the Newark News, John never forgot his newspaper roots.
“I like to think I am still a journalist,” he told the Star-Ledger in 2007. “There is an obligation to write so people will read the material. Many academic histories rely more on long words and archaic thought. I have always tried to get as much information in as possible, and then convert it to a style that is journalistic — short sentences, short paragraphs, and using words that are easily understood. If I have a style, that is it.”
He was pretty good with a glove, too, as a second baseman for Drew University way back when. The Yankees were a lifelong passion.
Until the Memorial Day Weekend, when he was hospitalized with pneumonia, John was a familiar sight at church concerts, Round Table meetings and naturalization ceremonies. I will miss his warm greetings and the twinkle in his eye.
Like everything he ever wrote, John’s secret for longevity was clear and concise:
“Get out of bed every morning with a laugh, if you can,” he advised, “and eat a good breakfast, and just keep going.”
Rest in peace, John.
Funeral arrangements are by the Dangler Funeral Home in Madison. Check back here for updates. Did you grow up with John Cunningham’s books? What do you remember about them, and about him?
John Cunningham reveals his secrets for a long, productive life in this 2009 video.
That’s lovely, Lynne. Thank you for sharing those memories of John.
John and my mom, Jackie Wiley, were companions for 9 years. They met on a bus trip into NYC to see a show. John became a part of my family and I loved him very much. He loved to see my daughter Melissa dance and my son Sean play soccer. He was instrumental in my son pursuing his career as a secondary ed. history teacher. He would sit at our dining room table and just mesmerize us with stories about NJ and about history in general. John was right by my side at all times during my mother’s illness and he spoke beautifully at her funeral. Because of John, there is a Christmas concert every year at the Morristown Methodist Church in my mom’s memory. Many see John as an author and historian but he will always be just my friend John who I loved very much. I will miss you John.
I, along with my students at Morristown High School, worked with John on three different video projects. It was an honor to work with this very special man and to get to know him. He had great love for his high school alma mater, for Morristown and New Jersey and American history. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
Saddened to learn of John Cunningham’s passing. What a terrible loss for my old hometown Morristown, the state of New Jersey, and far beyond. Thanks for keeping it’s hisotry alive, John. RIP
John was a wonderful man, the kind who makes a lasting impression. Sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
John will be missed.
Kevin, thank you for honoring this dear man. He will be sorely missed. He was a regular at our musical performances and was as enchanted with good music as he was with history. I am honored to call him friend.
June Van Thoen
John was an inspiration to so many. When I thought I should be slowing down, I just watched John and felt inspired to do more.
Reading his books taught me to love New Jersey and its history. He was the best kind of role model for both young and old.