Johnnie James Cunningham, 91 of Pensacola, FL left us peacefully on Sunday April 4, 2010. Johnnie was born in Moss Point MS to Johnnie Bivens Cunningham and Frank Cunningham. He spent his childhood full of adventures between Mississippi and his family in Los Angeles, CA. He joined the army March 19, 1940 and valiantly fought to defend our country as a cannoneer in the 18th Infantry 1st Division. While in the army, he was known as Red or Moose. Battles and campaigns included Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Ardennes-Alsace. He was awarded decorations and citations of the Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-American-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one silver service star, three bronze service stars, and an arrowhead, WW II Victory Medal, Army of Occupational Medal with Germany clasp, Combat Infantry Badge, French Fourragere in colors of Medaille militaire, Belgian Fourragere, Honorable Service label button WW II, and Marksman Qualification badge with rifle bar. While in service he met the love of his life Helen Bell in Scotland. The two married and following the WWII victory Johnnie brought his bride to the United States where Johnnie owned and operated a mechanic shop and service station. He went on to attend Delta State Teachers college and obtain degrees in science and history. He then went on to teach at Port Gibson Junior High as well as in Cleveland, MS. Helen and Johnnie had daughter Dixie Ann and moved to Ft. Walton Beach where he resumed teaching at Choctawhatchee High. He attended Florida State University for Masters level education. They later moved to Pensacola where taught science, history, and auto mechanics at Tech High until his retirement. Never one to be idle, Johnnie kept busy with rental property and always plenty of yard-work and gardening, pastimes in which he enlisted the help of his granddaughter Stephanie. Throughout life Helen and Johnnie traveled and experienced life to the fullest all the while remembering the importance of family. Many trips were taken with Dixie and her daughters Stephanie and Alexandra in the silver bullet Avion travel trailer and the family could often be found seeking shells at the beach during the summer. Johnnie loved animals, history, auto mechanics and nature and was passionate about imparting knowledge to those around him whether it be through narration or a hands on exhibition with an engine or a microscope. Johnnie was a man of quiet strength, zest for knowledge, and an impenetrable sense of loyalty for those dear to him. His presence in the world touched many and inspired those whose lives he touched. His parents, his sister Dot, his brother Claridy, and his beloved wife Helen preceded him in death. He is survived by daughter Dixie Ann Dinsmore of Pensacola, granddaughters Stephanie Anastazia of Tallahassee and Alexandra Emile of Pensacola, the Bell family of Scotland, and his extended family of cousins in Mississippi. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00pm Friday, April 9, 2010. Funeral Service to be held Saturday April 10, 2010 at 2:00pm at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park. Pallbearer will be John Kent ; Honorary Pallbearers Frank Rowe and Jonathan Kent. The family wishes to send very special thanks to the staff of Creekside Senior Village. Linda Gunn and the rest of the nursing team and caregivers were so very kind and added immensely to Johnnies life and comfort. In addition special thanks to Nika at Creekside who showed immense caring and patience and had a special place in Mr. Cunnighams heart. HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.