Norma Dorothy "Jimmey" Cunnings passed away on Friday, October
30, 2009, at the age of 90, after a recent fall caused trauma to her head.
Jimmey got her nickname because she was a tomboy and didn't like her given name.
She was born on April 24, 1919, in Carruthers, California to
parents Sid and Mamie Harmon. She graduated from Fresno Tech High School in
1937. On March 16, 1941, she married Roy Winfred Cunnings. Jimmey worked in the
shipyards during the war, while Roy was in the Navy. They had two children,
Darlene and Dennis Cunnings. Then, when they moved to Fresno, they ran a public
pool and a gambling room at one time, until they opened Cunnings & Cunnings,
a painting business, in 1953. Their company is noted for painting City Hall and
the Fresno Water Tower back in the 1970's.
Many people knew what a natural athlete Jimmey was, but didn't
know that she was on a women's professional softball team, and was the pitcher
for her team! At the age of 32, Jimmey took up her favorite game, golf, when
Jimmey and her husband went to a driving range to hit balls. She took a few
lessons, then basically taught herself to play golf using the experience from
her time as a softball pitcher.
Jimmey and her husband Roy, were founding members of San
Joaquin Country Club in Fresno, where they shared many fun times and memories.
She was the very first Women's Club Champion at San Joaquin Country Club in
1962. She totals 14 Club Champion wins and nine "hole-in-ones", receiving her
last hole-in-one at the age of 85!
She also spent 48 years rating golf courses, including the
prestigious Pebble Beach. Jimmey enjoyed all the friendships she made through
playing golf and had many fond memories of the Invitationals at different golf
courses. Her last round of golf was only a few weeks ago, when she was 90 years
old.
She was a very involved grandma and great-grandma in her
grandchildren's life. Jimmey started by following her grandson, Blair, to all
his college golf tournaments. Then, she came to her great-grandchildren's soccer
games and baseball games to cheer them on too. Her presence in their lives will
truly be missed.
Jimmey is preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers
and sister; and her husband, Roy Cunnings.
She is suvived by her daughter, Darlene Cunnings; her son,
Dennis Cunnings and his wife Cara; her five grandchildren; and her nine
greatgrandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at San Joaquin Country Club
in Fresno on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 11:00 a.m.
Remembrances may be made to Fresno State Women's Golf Team at
1620 E. Bulldog Lane, Fresno, Ca., 93740, or Hinds Hospice Home at 1416 West
Twain, Fresno, Ca., 93711.
NEPTUNE SOCIETY Of Central California 1154 West Shaw Avenue
Fresno, Ca. (559)222-7764
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