Jenna James Cunningham
Obituary
Jenna James Cunningham was born on December 10, 1984 and went to be with the Lord on November 22, 2017 after fighting a valiant 13 month fight against Lymphoma. She faced it with an amazing attitude, strong fortitude, and grace. She leaves behind her husband, Jeff Cunningham, and her 8-month-old daughter, Crenshaw. In addition, she is survived by her parents, Bart and Karen James; her older brother, Jordan James, and his wife Emily; her older sister, Julie James, and her husband Luke; and her younger brother, Jared James, and his wife Alanna. She was also loved dearly by many nieces and nephews.
Jenna lived an exceptional 32 years. She graduated valedictorian of Jenks High School in 2003. Afterwards, she loved her time at Vanderbilt University where she graduated magna cum laude with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Mathematics. She concluded her studies at The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and residency in Pittsburgh, PA before returning to her hometown of Tulsa, OK to begin her career and family. She worked as an anesthesiologist at St. John Medical Center where she really enjoyed her job and colleagues.
Jenna adored her family and her family adored her. It has been our privilege to have cheered her on in her many pursuits. Whether it was her studies, iron distance triathlon, marathons, or the pursuit of perfection in general, Jenna never settled for anything less than excellence. We loved being her home base and some of her closest friends. To us, she was beautiful, fun, humble, gracious, smart, witty, giving, and a confidant. We will always hold dear the years of fun we had all together.
Jeff was the love of her life. He cherished her and treated her with honor and we are so thankful that she was able to experience love like that this side of heaven. Jenna is now rejoicing in the glory of our Heavenly Father and the love and perfection she is experiencing knows no limits. One day we will all be with her again and what a glorious day that will be!
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either Mend Pregnancy Resource Center at mendpregnancy.org or the Little Light House at littlelighthouse.org in Jenna’s memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 29, at Arrow Heights Baptist Church, 3201 S. Elm Place, Broken Arrow.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I'm blessed to have known Jenna. Living nearby, she often gave me rides home from school track or cross country practices. I always enjoyed chatting with Jenna about our days. She had the cutest and warmest giggle that was impossible not to join in. Jenna had a calmness about her that was beyond her years. She was an amazing lady. Sending my thoughts and prayers. -Rachel Barber
Rachel Barber
Bart, Karen, Jordan, Emily and family, The McKees are so sorry for your loss and really have no words other than encouraging you in the hope of Jesus that you already know so well. You are such a wonderful family and we know that you look forward in hope to that day when you will be reunited with Jenna. Please know that you are so often on my mind and in my prayers. Praying for God's comfort and perfect peace. Sean McKee
Sean McKee
Dear Bart, Karen, and Family: You are truly among the most treasured and special people that I/we know in Tulsa. Tonight after practice Jordan was running at the Jenks track and he came up and told me of Jenna's passing November 22, 2017. I had no idea she was even sick. She was the most awesome young lady! Coaching her was pure joy! Rachel always kept me up on her amazing and accomplished life! I am so glad to read that Jenna had a baby recently named Crenshaw! That is such amazing news that the best is yet to come! Julia and I are heartbroken for you all and want you to know you are in our prayers. But rest assured God has her in a special role in Heaven now. I want to leave you with a verse from Philippians 4:19 "My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory, in Christ Jesus." And Philippians 4:13, for you all, especially her Husband, and baby Crenshaw "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." We Love You All, Coach Mike and Julia Barber and Family
Michael and Julia Barber and Family
My prayers are with all of you James's and Cunningham's, earth's loss is Heaven's gain.
Jim T.Roy Barnes
When I think of Jenna, I can see her huge smile and hear her contagious laugh. She was always positive and uplifting. I was lucky to call her a sister while at Vanderbilt. Heaven has gained an angel. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Allyson (Sundby) Missura
Jenna had such a vibrant spirit! In college, living in the same suite, I remember Jenna on the phone with Julie or her mom laughing and chatting away. I was always in awe of how close Jenna was with her family. Being 19 or 20, I couldn't relate (yet)! Jenna would dream about moving home to her family, and joke about living on a "family compound" where everyone would be as close together as possible. This has stuck with me over the years, and as I've grown older and closer to my family, her words have come to my mind countless times.
Caroline Biedenharn Lin
Caroline Biedenharn Lin
Caroline Biedenharn Lin
Caroline Biedenharn Lin
Lit a candle in memory of Jenna James Cunningham
Monty Cavanagh
Jenna was a Chi Omega sister of mine at Vanderbilt. She was always full of energy and joy, smiling from ear to ear, and completely focused on others. I remember her always asking so many questions to see how you were really doing instead of just rushing through a superficial conversation. She truly cared about everyone in her path and radiated love, which I know came from her strong faith in Christ. I remember a bunch of us would meet for brunch on Saturday mornings in the dining hall. Most of us slept in, rolled out of bed, and sleepily headed towards the waffles... but not Jenna! She would meet us there, already having completed a loooong run, full of energy and ready to chat, with banana (for recovery!) in hand. I also always remember her speaking with such love about her large and close-knit family. She truly cared about her parents and siblings in a special way. It was obvious that they were truly some of her best friends from the way she'd speak about them.
Lindy (McRae) Johnston
When I think of Jenna, I remember her beautiful smile and loving heart. She was inclusive and caring towards everyone, and lived each day with energy and joy. I can hear her laugh in my head. This photo is from Vanderbilt 2004, when we first met. I'm heartbroken that the world has lost her, and send my deepest love to her family.
Becca (Heilman) Davison
I am grateful to have known Jenna the past 13 months. She showed nothing but courage, kindness, and love for her family during her illness. Although we were unable to meet in person, our hearts met many times with our conversations about Crenshaw. She loved her baby very much and Crenshaw brought such happiness to Jenna. If Jenna had fear or doubts I never witnessed it. She was the kind of person who brought out the best in others. I am so proud to have had the honor of being her Nurse Case Manager. I know we will meet someday in Heaven. Love you Jenna James Cunningham!
Paula Coleman
Memorable time to serve with Jenna as she shared her knowledge, passion for life, and love with the people on this trip
Bill Clark
Memorable time to serve with Jenna as she shared her knowledge, passion for life, and love with the people on this trip
Bill Clark