N. Grafton – James A. Gunning, 57, of N. Grafton and formerly of Southborough, died at his home Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 after being suddenly stricken ill. He was the beloved husband of Trudy (Warga) Gunning for over 14 years.
Born in Midland, Mich., he was the oldest son of the late James F. and Katharine (Comerford) Gunning. Jim was a 1975 graduate of Algonquin Regional School in Northborough, where he was recently inducted into their athletic hall of fame, and attended Bridgewater State University.
He worked for Walsh Brothers as a project manager for 27 years before working for J. Calnan Associates of Quincy as a project superintendent.
Jim had a zest for life and a love for family and friends. He was truly one of a kind. Jim and Trudy thoroughly enjoyed entertaining friends and family in their home, as they all meant the world to him. Paramount to Jim was his desire to bring people together to celebrate life.
He was a member of the Fayville Athletic Association and a poker club that consisted of his best childhood friends. A lover of music, fine food and wine, Jim was also an avid Boston sports fan. One of his favorite cheers was “Hip hip hooray!” Here’s to you, Jim, we will all miss you very much.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his siblings, Stephen Gunning of Southborough, Kevin Gunning and his wife Nancy of Southbury, Conn., Jack Gunning and his wife Tricia of Westborough, Paul Gunning and his wife Jeanne of Holden, Katie MacArthur and her husband Paul of Southborough, and Anne-Margaret Gunning and her partner Tamara Schurdak of New York City; his stepchildren, Amanda Weixel and her husband Ryan of Vista, Calif.; Stephanie Dobson and her husband Darren of Murrieta, Calif.; his grandchildren, Samantha, Jacob, and William; Jimmy, Marilyn and Bruce; his nieces and nephews; and his many, many friends.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, from 3-7 p.m., at the Morris Funeral Home, 40 Main St. (Route 30), Southborough. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m., at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough. Burial will follow in the Southborough Rural Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be sent in his memory to Algonquin Boosters Club, 79 Bartlett St. Northborough, MA 01532.
To leave words of condolence, visit www.morrisfuneralparlor.com.
