The city of Lewisville is in mourning following the announcement of the death of James Kunke, a well-respected community figure and the Director of Community Engagement. Kunke died at the age of 58 after a long fight with cancer, a battle that he faced with notable resilience and optimism.
Throughout his 23 years of service to the people of Lewisville, Kunke established himself as a staunch advocate for inclusivity and open dialogue, always eager to create spaces where every voice could be heard. His approach to engagement was founded on the principle of meeting people on their own terms. According to an official city statement, "He believed deeply in meeting people where they were and creating space for connection and belonging."
Before his tenure in Lewisville, Kunke had stints with the City of Southlake and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram—experiences that clearly shaped his community-focused methodology. Those who worked closely with Kunke remembered him as a visionary leader, one who championed bold actions and fervent passion. His dedication was not only professional, as he also treasured his personal life, frequently expressing adoration for his family, the local sports teams, and the theater arts with equal fervor. "He spoke of them often and proudly, and that love shaped the way he cared for others each day," the city's statement described.
In honor of Kunke's legacy, Lewisville Mayor TJ Gilmore has called for the lowering of the city's flag to half-staff at all City facilities, starting today, in a gesture that extends to five days or until his burial, whichever occurs first. The exact details of the funeral have yet to be disclosed by the family.
