Contributions to the tribute of James F. Cunniff

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The family of James F. Cunniff uploaded a photo

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

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The family of James F. Cunniff uploaded a photo

Monday, August 12, 2019

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The family of James F. Cunniff uploaded a photo

Monday, June 24, 2019

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Candice Horgan posted a condolence

Sunday, August 17, 2003

I will never forget his theory about water boiling on the top of a mountain. Per science, water boils at a lower temperature, thus it boils quicker, on the top of a mountain than it would in your household. Per Mr. Cunniff, since it is colder at the top of a mountain, he would point out that the water should take a bit longer to boil. When pointed out that science had figured it out, he would just shake his head and say the camper is right. :) Another mountain top tale is that it should be warmer on top of mountains because you're closer to the sun. These "tales" among many other things will never be forgotten. You've done an awesome job, Mr. Cunniff - may the road rise to meet you. Poet: I meant that you are the likeness. You have lived with the Great Stone Face all your life, and your face shows his strength and goodness. For it is true that we have become like what we love. - play adaptation of Great Stone Face by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

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Deborah Savage posted a condolence

Saturday, August 16, 2003

Jim Cunniff was the most influential teacher in my life. He was my English teacher for two years in the late '60s, at JFK Junior High. Teaching junior high students is a calling. Keeping classes of 40 students captivated day after day is an act of absolute willpower. Mr. C held us to the highest standards, teaching us formal grammar along with a love for the nuances of language and the ability to use all kinds of everyday examples to make his point. Some memories: He armed us with information to use in playful teasing of his colleague, J. Greehy (call him Greely and watch him fume, he'd say.) He made us memorize auxiliary verbs (called helping verbs in later years, and now gone from the curriculum of most schools): be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been, have, has, had, do, does, did, can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, must. The quiz had two grades: zero or 100. He used language to paint vivid pictures of his love of sports: A blind person could tell if a football game was a good one, by listening to the sound of pads hitting pads. When adolescent boys giggled because poet Joyce Kilmer was a man, he launched into a discussion of what it meant to be a man: commitment to doing what you say you are going to do. He was steadfast in his support of unusual kids(me, for instance) who presented the challenge of brightness and a certain, shall we say, lack of focus and impulsive imagination. I've tried to emulate his example in my own classrooms -- not giving into the educational fads of the day, and holding on to standards. A couple of years ago I was honored to receive a teaching award as the most popular and dedicated teacher in the School of Business. At the same time, the less formal student association award for the hardest professor on campus landed on my doorstep. At the awards ceremony, I thanked Jim Cunniff for setting an example of how a teacher could be the most difficult, the most strict, and yet the most compelling of all one's teachers. : Loving life and its mysterious source with all my heart and all my spirit, all my senses and strength, I take upon myself and into myself these promises: to care for the earth and those who llive upon it, to pursue justice and peace, to love kindness and compassion. I will teach this to our children throughout the passage of the dayu0014 as I dwell in my home and as I go on my journey, from the time I rise until I fall asleep. May his memory be for a blessing, and may his family and friends be comforted among all the mourners of the earth

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Amanda Sullivan posted a condolence

Saturday, August 16, 2003

Mr. Cunniff was my track coach while I was in middle school. He has been such an inspirational person in my life since then. He taught me many lessons and he NEVER gave up on me. He was always there when I needed him. He retired my eighth grade year but still remained active by officialiate high school meets. We always talked before, after, and during the meets. My sophomore year, my English teacher asked us to write a letter to a teacher or coach who had made a big impact in our lives. I, without a doubt in my mind, chose to write mine on Mr. Cunniff. He most certainly has made a huge impact in my life, it is because of him that I am still running. I was heartbroken to hear that he had passed away and I am deeply saddened for he will be greatly missed. I read a quote that made me think of him: "What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." -Albert Pike Well, I know I will never forget everything that he did for me and for that I am forever grateful!!!

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Thomas P. and Arlene M. McDonald posted a condolence

Friday, August 15, 2003

Dear Lynn; Arlene and I were stunned to hearof Jim's passing.Our deepest sympathy to you and the boys, Sheila and Ann.There is no way we cold come to Peabody now, but will be there in spirit and all of you will be in our prayers.

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Greg Shaw posted a condolence

Friday, August 15, 2003

The Cannon Mountain community miss Jim dearly. He was our historian, storyteller, social director and the most reliable and knowledgeable source for information on every inch of our beloved mountain. There is another great man now missing, in additon to The Old Man, from the face and landscape of Cannon Mountain.

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Libby posted a condolence

Friday, August 15, 2003

I don't even know what to say to you guys, other than that Mr. Cunniff was one of the most amazing people I have ever met. His encouragment on and off of the ski slopes was never ending. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with all of you during this time, and I truly wish I could be there, however I must be out in the wilderness for the next two weeks. Though I promise to keep him in my thoughts as I am sue he would love it where I am going. Love always, Libby

James F. Cunniff

1938 - 2003

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