James Steven Cunningham

James Steven Cunningham, beloved husband,

father, son, brother, and friend, transitioned to be

with the Lord on August 15, 2025 at the age of 37. A man of unshakable faith, joy, and resilience, James lived a life that touched countless hearts through his music, testimony, and love for family.

James was born on September 10, 1987, at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, DC, the firstborn and only son of James G. Cunningham and Francine Crawford. He grew up in Washington, DC, and later Prince George’s County, MD. He attended Oxon Hill Middle and Oxon Hill High School, where he proudly served as drummer for the Gospel Choir. During his junior year, James relocated to Roswell, GA, where his gift for music flourished. At just 15

years old, he received his first paid opportunity as a professional drummer at a local church, marking the start of his lifelong passion.

In 2006, James returned to Maryland, enrolling in

Woodland Job Corp in Laurel, MD, where he earned his Career Diploma in Culinary Arts from NewSummit School. Alongside his musical talent, James grew up with a playful spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and a giving heart. Whether drumming on pots and pans as a child, making family laugh with his quick wit, or helping out in the kitchen during gatherings,James brought joy and warmth everywhere he went.

His spiritual foundation was nurtured at Greater

Mount Calvary Holy Church in Washington, DC,

under the leadership of ArchBishop Alfred and

Co-Pastor Susie Owens. At a young age, James was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost, a faith that carried him throughout his life. As a professional musician, James drumming

journey took him across the country, performing

and recording with choirs, churches, and gospel

artists. He played with the Naval Academy Gospel

Choir, Alfred Street Baptist Church, Howard

University Community Choir, and First Baptist

Church of Highland Park, among many others. His

extraordinary gift allowed him to share the stage with gospel greats such as Lorraine Stancil, Byron

Cage, Shirley Caesar, Tasha Cobbs Leonard,

Lisa Page Brooks, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark

Sheard, Anthony Brown & Group Therapy, and

many more.

In March 2016, James life changed when he

suffered his first mild stroke while shopping for

a snare drum. That moment began a journey

of resilience, faith, and miracles. Living with

congenital heart failure since birth, James

endured multiple open-heart surgeries, strokes,

cardiac arrests, and eventually a heart transplant

on October 29, 2019. Despite serious health

challenges including kidney failure, diabetes,

and multiple heart rejections. James continued

to beat the odds with unwavering courage. His

testimony was a living witness to God’s grace

and healing power. Through it all, James remained full of joy. He often said, “I have to laugh to keep from crying life is too short.” His laughter, kindness, and ability to find light in the darkest times inspired everyone around him.

In May 2016, James united with the love of his

life, Yolanda Haskins, in Charlotte, NC. After a

beautiful proposal at church right from behind

his beloved drum set the two were married the

very same day by their pastor, Bishop Amere

May Sr. Their love story became a testimony of

devotion and strength, as they built a blended

family filled with love and resilience. James

embraced Yolanda’s six children as his own,

becoming a devoted husband, father, and

provider, even during his most difficult health

battles.

James was not only a drummer but also a chef,

basketball enthusiast, mentor, and student.

Known for his unforgettable chicken wings,

fried fish, and his “famous mumbo sauce,” he

faithfully served as the Hub Chef of Worship

OutLoud under the leadership of Prophet Kearra

Gillespie until 2025. His mumbo sauce became

a staple that the saints eagerly anticipated

after every Hub service, and his presence was

both respected and cherished. James also shared

his culinary gifts with the Million Youth March

of Salisbury & Charlotte. On the court, he was

known as “DC, the sharpshooter,” and later,

after his heart transplant, he invested in coaching

AAU basketball teams (Bulldogz NC Aggies and

Mallard Creek Recreation).

James legacy will also live on in his forthcoming

book, From Broken Beats to a Heart of Faith:

The Journey of James Cunningham a powerful

testimony of courage, grace, and unshakable

hope, scheduled for release on the 6th

anniversary of his heart transplant.

James was preceded in death by his grandparents

Beatrice Jeter, Theodore Caldwell, James and

Doris Cunningham, and his godmother Candice

Sasha Watts.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife,

Yolanda Cunningham; children Ja’Ques Clark,

Leah Cunningham, Skyla Haskins, Avionn

Haskins, Jeremiah Haskins, Londyn Haskins,

Akyha Haskins, and Carson Haskins; parents

Francine Crawford and James G. Cunningham

(Angela); parents-in-love Elder Ellis Haskins

(Tess) and Ivy Scott; sisters Chantees Talbert

and Charrisse Cunningham; sisters-in-love

Lashawn Brown, Regina Brown, Tyler Preston,

Ikea Haskins; brothers-in-love Eric Haskins

(Christina), Adrian Haskins, Dwayne Smith

(Nicole), and Mario Black; godchildren Harper

Smith, Heaven Bostick; god-siblings Alicia

Talbert, Kayla Watts, Jonathan Rhinehart,

Stanley Carter, Anisia Wright, Anthony V.

Wright; godparents Anthony and Georgella

Wright; Special Auntie/Mommy Lila A Haskins-

Brown and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces,

nephews, cousins, and close friends who loved

him dearly.

James lived with courage, laughed through pain,

and loved with his whole heart. Though his

journey was filled with trials, he never stopped

fighting, never stopped believing, and never

stopped smiling. Truly, James fought a good

fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.