James Fred "Jimmy" Gaines

James F. “Jimmy” Gaines, 79 of Sanford passed away Saturday February 3, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday (2/8/2024) at Turners Chapel Church. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church cemetery, in Goldston.

Jimmy was born in Chatham Co a son of the late Curnie Calvin Gaines and Pauline Lydia Hilliard Gaines Cotton. He was preceded in death by his son, James W. “Jimmy” Gaines, brothers, Charles Calvin Gaines and Harold M. “Buck” Gaines, and his stepfather, James Cotton. Jimmy is best known for his work as the Director in the Lee County, North Wilkesboro and Dunn Parks and Recreation, and was an Ambassador of Men’s and Women’s Softball, and youth Baseball and Softball throughout the State. For many years you could always find Jimmy on a ball field somewhere, the place he loved to be.

Mr. Gaines is survived by sons, Brandon Gaines (Tracy) and Calvin Gaines (Georganna); daughters, Ashley Gaines and Grace Gaines; sisters, Sue Watson and Sheila O’Quinn (Eddie); and his brother, Fat Gaines (Audrey), and sister-in-law Alyce Gaines; grandchildren, Matti, Liam and Phillip; numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm Wednesday at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home, and other times and 415 Tirzah Drive, Lillington, NC.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Jimmy Gaines Memorial Scholarship Fund, 415 Tirzah Dr, Lillington, NC 27546.