Jerry Arthur Cunningham

Jerry Arthur Cunningham, age 82 years, passed away surrounded by his loving family at Ochsner Main Campus on Thursday, August 4, 2022.

Jerry was born on March 9, 1940 in Livingston, Texas and moved to Morgan City at the age of 7. He graduated from Morgan City High School in 1958. After high school, he joined the Army National Guard and served a brief period of active duty. Following that, he served 4 years active duty in the United States Air Force as a corpsman, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

Following military service, Jerry studied at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and obtained his B.S. degree from the University of Southeastern Louisiana and his M.ED. degree from Nicholls State University.

His career as an educator began as an industrial arts teacher at Morgan City High School and eventually a guidance counselor. He became principal of the Alternative School in Morgan City and then the Alternative School of Centerville. His education career concluded after serving as principal of Morgan City Junior High School. He was awarded Principal of the Year for the 1993-94 school year. He was instrumental in initiating the celebration of Veterans Day at Morgan City Junior High, which continues to present.

He was a charter member of the MCHS Alumni Association and faithfully assisted in coordinating annual reunions for the class of ‘58. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion and an honorary member of the Marine Corps League.

An avid outdoorsman, there wasn’t a fish, duck, deer, or especially a rabbit safe near him. He spent countless hours at the camp with his sons and many friends and relatives, passing down his love of the outdoors to his boys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, A.B. and Juanita Cunningham, and three newborn daughters, Jerri Ann, Scarlett, and Starlett.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Annabelle Arthur Cunningham; sister Peggy Scarle (Mike); sons, Jared and Jon (Ann Marie); his grandchildren Brittany, Luke (Amy), and Kathleen; and his great grandchildren London and Jase. He was brother-in-law to Duval (Markeita), William, and Samuel (Luora), and adored his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held Saturday, August 13th at First Baptist Church of Morgan City, 1915 N Victor II Blvd. Family visitation begins at 9:00 am, general visitation begins at 10:00 am, and funeral service begins at 12:00 pm. Burial at Morgan City Cemetery to follow.