Christopher James Cunliffe

DURHAM- Mr. Christopher “Chris” James Cunliffe, 38, passed away on Friday, May 14, 2021. Unexpectedly, he passed from cardiac arrest at his home.

Chris was born on February 3, 1983 in Palo Alto, California. He was the son of James and Linda Cunliffe. He attended grade school in Sanford, NC and later completed his vocational program at JobCorp, specializing in culinary arts. As a child, he grew to love the outdoors, and enjoyed fishing, canoeing and hiking. When he was older and at the time of his death, he worked and lived in Durham, NC. His love for reading spanned across his entire life, and could always be caught with a book in his hand.

Those who knew Chris, even just a little, knew he was always smiling. Always laughing, and it was infectious and joyous. Even during hard times, he was always positive and accepting of the circumstances; and simply took everything in stride. Since Chris’s death, many have written about how special he was and how fortunate they were to have known him. With Chris, what you saw is what you got, and what you got was fun-loving, easy-going, and caring friend, son, brother, and uncle.

Mr. Cunliffe was preceded in death by his father, James R. Cunliffe. He is survived by his mother, Linda L. Cunliffe; brother, Ben Cunliffe of Durham, NC; and sister, Jennie Slate (Wade) of Durham, NC, Thomas, Rachel, AJ, and Eliana (adoring nieces and nephews).

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Reverend Hugh O’Shields. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Hudson Funeral Home.

Flowers are acceptable, or memorial contributions can be made to the Durham Rescue Mission at PO Box 11368 Durham, NC 27703.