James Calvin Gainey Jr.

James Calvin Gainey Jr. September 1, 1963 – September 1, 2026 James Calvin Gainey Jr., beloved husband, father, Papi, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully September 1, 2026 surrounded by family on his 63rd birthday. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, love, and devotion to his family that will live on in all who knew him. 

James was born September 1, 1963, at McClellan Air Force Base in California while his father was an airman. At the age of three, he moved to Dallas, Texas, where he spent his early years growing up on a farm, enjoying the wide open freedom of country life. When he was 11, he moved to Plano, Texas, and sports became an important part of his childhood and early life. 

James attended Texas Tech University, where he earned his Bachelors in Electrical Engineering in 3 ½ years while balancing studies with Sigma Pi Epsilon fraternity and intramural sports. He earned his Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering and PhD (ABD) in Physiologically Motivated Information Integration from USAF Institute of Technology. 

Following his undergraduate studies, James attended Officer Training School and began what would become a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 20 years before retiring from the Air Force. He continued his career as a Senior Staff Engineer with Lockheed Martin and Vencore, where he carried the same dedication and commitment that defined his years of military service. 

While James accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest joy and deepest pride were found in his family, his faith, and the things he loved. James was a devoted husband to his wife, Terri Rochelle (McNeal) Gainey, and a loving father who would do anything to protect and care for his children. His children, Nathan James Gainey, married to Clare Elizabeth Gainey, and Olivia Grace Gainey, engaged to Jakob Charles Harshman, were among the greatest blessings of his life. He was also a proud Papi to two grandsons, the children of Nathan and Clare, whom he loved dearly. 

James was a man of strong faith who sought to serve others throughout his life. He was involved with Project 200, Promise Keepers and devoted many years to United Methodist Men’s ministry. His service included work as a Men’s Ministry Specialist, serving local churches, the Baltimore-Washington Conference UMM, the Northeastern Jurisdiction UMM, and the National Association of Conference Presidents of UMM. His faith was not simply something he believed—it was something he lived each day, seeking to build disciples through prayer, service, and meaningful relationships. 

He was an avid football fan, with a special place in his heart for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Ohio State Buckeyes. His love for the Buckeyes extended beyond simply being a fan. He proudly served as a Redcoat usher at Ohio Stadium, where he enjoyed being part of the Buckeye gameday tradition and community. He had recently been promoted to Portal Chief, a role he was especially proud of and excited to continue. 

Above all else, James loved his family. He was the kind of dad who made his children feel safe, loved, and protected. His family will remember his unwavering devotion, his strength, his faith, and the love he gave so freely. He was a husband who cherished his wife, a father who fiercely protected his children, and a Papi who took great joy in his grandchildren. 

James is preceded in death by his father, James Calvin Gainey and is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren; mother, Sue Evelyn Gainey; brothers, William Edwin Gainey and Calvin Earl Gainey. He also leaves behind extended family and many friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, faith, friendship, and service. 

Though his family grieves the tremendous loss of a husband, father, Papi, son, and brother, they find comfort in the life he lived, the faith he shared, and the love he gave so generously. James will be deeply missed and forever remembered by the people who had the privilege of loving him. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church in Ellicott City, Maryland on October 10, 2026 at 10:00am - 2875 Bethany Lane, Ellicott City MD. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in James’s memory to: Bethany UMC Memorial Fund,  Nationwide Children's Hospital or to the US Naval Academy Athletics (Fund for Athletic Excellence).