James A. Rains, Jr. age 87 of Inverness, FL passed away December 31, 2024 in Citrus Memorial Hospital. A native of Plant City, Fl he was born on September 14, 1937 to the late James A. and Litty Lee (Mathers) Rains and came to Citrus County in January, 2000 from Dunedin, FL after retiring as the Division Director of Maintenance for the City of Dunedin after 39 years of service.
He joined the Florida National Guard in 1954 and retired as Command Sargent Major in 1994. He was a Life Member in the Association of the National Guard and held positions of Director, several Committee Chairs, and Parliamentarian. Additionally, he was a Life Member of The National Guard Association of Florida and served as President. Jim was also a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness. He was very active with the church and served on the finance committee.
He enjoyed many activities including fishing, gardening, golfing, bowling, traveling, and barbecuing. He loved life, enjoyed spending time with family and friends and will be remembered for his humor which made people laugh and smile. He was a man of principle, well liked and respected for his leadership and the way he treated others. Jim had an amazing life, will be greatly missed, but the wonderful memories we have will always be close to our heart. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace with the Lord.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara (Emery) Rains whom he married August 20, 1960; 3 children: James A. Rains, III of Fresno, CA, Diane Segear of Clearwater, and Linda R. Sawyer and husband Tom of San Jose, CA; 1 brother, Charles R. Rains and wife Phyllis of Lakeland, FL; 2 grandchildren, Justin Sawyer and wife Sita and Tyler Sawyer; 3 great grandchildren: Reid, Jalen, and Maverick Sawyer.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Monday, January 13th at 11:30 AM from the First Presbyterian Church of Inverness with Dr. Dennis Bennett officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Florida National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church, 206 Washington Ave., Inverness, FL 34450
Arrangements are under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home, Inverness.
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I am saddened by this but I know you are at peace and are watching over those who are left behind. Thoughts and prayers for the family. This wonderful man will forever be missed but never forgotten.
I had the privilege of knowing Papa Rains through my coworker, James lll. From the many stories I’ve heard, it’s clear he was not only an incredible father but also an extraordinary person. His strength and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges are truly inspiring. My heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult time.
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