We say goodbye to another friend.

It is with deep regret to share this news.  Jim was a fun loving character, that I will miss.

JAMES LAWRENCE NELSON

NELSON JAMES LAWRENCE NELSON of Lakewood, OH, departed this life on Sunday, June 12, 2016, at the age of 62, when his giving heart suddenly failed. Jim was beautiful. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of Lake Erie, his absurd humor, and the buoyant personality that so effortlessly carried his colorful fashion sense. Jim's short life was filled with great loves, successes, struggles, and losses. Sadly, recent years' myriad health complications and a lifelong struggle with addiction stole much from Jim, but never his positive attitude or a hope for better days ahead. He is survived by his daughter Phoebe and her mother, Nan Wilson, his daughter Jennifer, sons Paul and Kyle and their mother Mary Kay Nelson, his last wife, Mary Pat Gallagher, granddaughter Olivia, siblings Pat Burns, Nancy Rudd and Dave Nelson, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, Freedom Mortgage colleagues, fellow members of AA, and his beloved dog, Millie Nelson. Memorial open house on Sunday, July 31 from 9:30am to Noon at The Folger Home, 32770 Lake Road, Avon Lake, OH 44012. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in his name, either to Ed Keating Rehab Center (Cleveland) or Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Additionally, we ask that you take the time to discuss end of life wishes with your loved ones while you can. You never know when you will need to speak for someone you love.

Published in The Plain Dealer on June 19, 2016
From Cleveland.com

A Fond Farewell, Jeff C.

He brought to his home group a ton of common sense. Helped keep things focused on what was important, guiding the Westside Agnostic group to be an AA meeting that ANYONE and EVERYONE should feel welcome. Period.  That the only requirement to be an AA Member is simply a desire not to drink. That's it.

I think that Jeff knew that if things were kept simple, we as a group could be the most help. To help widen the gateway, and keep the gateway open. For myself and those to follow.

From AA Comes of Age (1957) Bill W. wrote: "...this was the great contribution of our atheists and agnostics. They had widened our gateway so that all who suffer might pass through, regardless of their belief or lack of belief." 

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JEFFREY THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, of Lakewood, passed away on February 8, 2016 after a long and brave battle with cancer. He was the father of three beloved daughters - Emily Millay Cunningham, Sophie Katherine Cunningham and Anna Louise Cunningham - and is also survived by their mother, Deborah Cunningham along with partner, Heather Madden and a sister, Kelly Lance of Dayton. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (Looney) Cunningham of Akron, Ohio and his sister, Rebecca Cerio of Franklin, Tennessee. Born in Akron, OH on February 2, 1953, he graduated from Akron University with a B.S. in Accounting, and from Case Western Weatherhead School of Management with an MBA in Banking and Finance. He began his career at Comshare and moved to Ernst & Young. Later, he enjoyed a long career as a consultant with SAP. He also worked for Oracle, IBM, and Forte Industries. A transformational figure in the Cleveland area recovery community, his dedication and inspiration have helped many. He was also actively involved in the Cleveland AA Central Office and led weekly groups at two men's recovery houses, the Lantern and Sobriety in Motion. Family and friends are welcome at SLONE & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 13115 LORAIN AVENUE, CLEVELAND, ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 FROM 6-8 P.M. where concluding services will be held at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alcoholics Anonymous Cleveland District Office, 1701 E. 12th Street, Suite 20, Cleveland, OH 44114. Interment Lake View Cemetery.

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And for some reason, this song, "Unsteady" seems to make me think of Jeff