James Gilbert Rainey, Sr.

James Gilbert Rainey Sr., 89 years old from Dunnellon, Florida passed away on October 15th 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

James was born in Baltimore Maryland on April 13th 1936, the son of John and Ethel Rainey.

James was a graduate of Glen Burnie High School in 1954.  Immediately upon graduation, he fulfilled his lifelong dream by joining the United States Navy and proudly served as a US Naval Aviation Ordnanceman.  Unbeknownst to James at the time, his Naval service time would impact him well beyond his actual service time in the Navy.  While off duty, he met a fellow sailor and his soon-to-be wife, Diana Lois Rainey (Hoffmann) at a USO function. 

James and Diana were married for 68 years; his beloved wife Diana proceeded him in death on October 6th 2024.  The wedded couple spent approximately half of the marriage residing in Sheboygan raising their six children.  The couple spent their entire retirement years in Florida to escape the Wisconsin winters and enjoy the benefits of the Florida climate.  

Mr. Rainey loved his family in a mighty way and was equally tethered to his Riverland Baptist Church family in Dunnellon Florida.  He was ardently devoted to many of the ministries within the church for well over 25 years.  As a deacon, James was particularly passionate for advancing God’s kingdom as one of Riverland’s team leader's for outreach/sharing the Gospel; Jim will be remembered as a man of God with a nonstop zeal for leading folks to the Lord Jesus.

Remaining to cherish James memory are; children, Diana Chapel; {Preston} James Rainey Jr; {Sara} John Rainey; {Connie}  Maria Hodges; {Jeff } Linda Repass; {Mike) and Jeff Rainey; {Angela} 15 grandchildren, Casey Chapel; Cody Wilkinson, Justin Rainey, Jason Rainey, Johnny Rainey, Amanda Kottenstede, Caleb Rainey, Jacob Rainey, Chris Hodges, Tim Hodges, Michael Repass Jr, Kristin Ashworth, Breanna Twiford, Taylor Dunks, and Ashlee Dunks; 21 great-grandchildren; sister Lorraine Hill, sister-in-law Darlene {Larry} Van Etten; nephews, Matt Van Der Male, Nate Van Der Male, and Scott Hill.

Celebration of Life will be held November 4th 2025 at Riverland Baptist Church, 19455 SW 61st Street, Dunnellon, FL 34432 at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Rex Carringer officiating. The immediate family will be attending the interment with military honors at the Bushnell National Cemetery. 

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial donations in memory of Mr. James Rainey may be directed to Riverland Baptist Church (Please add “Missions” in the memo line of check). Mail should be directed to Riverland Baptist Church, PO Box 69, Dunnellon FL 34430.