James Ainsley Obituary

James Dennis Ainsley CHESAPEAKE - James Dennis "J.D." departed this life and his family to enter into eternal life Aug. 8, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born Oct. 4, 1936, in North Carolina to Dennis and Hilga Ainsley. James will forever be remembered for his generosity and kindness to whomever he came into contact with; he did not know a stranger. Mr. Ainsley is survived by his beloved wife of more than 52 years, Dianne; three children, Rusty (Connie), Randy (Heather) and Jeannie (Tony); grandchildren, Amanda (James), Scarlett, Jesse, Skyler, Sterling, Lacey, Audrey, Abbie and Brianna; sister, Sarah; and a host of nieces, nephews, and countless friends. J.D. served in the Navy Reserves early in his life, worked as a planner/estimator for the government for more than 20 years, retired, and went back to work for VSE (Norfolk). He always went back for more and worked up to the end. He graduated from Cradock High School in 1956 and married his high school sweetheart in 1957. Mr. Ainsley was a member of the N.S. Skirmish Association, "Dismal Swamp Rangers" for nearly 50 years. A memorial service in honor of J.D. is planned for Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. at 4841 Sondej Ave., Chesapeake, VA 23321. Cremation Society of Virginia, Hampton Roads office is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.cremate.org.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Aug. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ainsley

7 Entries

Richard Painter

August 28, 2009

Dianne and family. I am very sad to learn that my dear friend "JD" has departed this life. I have thought of him and you all many times in the 38 years since I left Virginia. I tried to get in touch several times when I would come back to see my family in Chesapeake but some how always got a wrong phone number. I was thinking about him this morning and tried looking up the "Dismal Swamp Rangers" to see if I could make a contact. I just typed in his whole name and to my surprise and sorrow found this site. I really missed him over the years and hoped to see you all again. I now live in Pickens County, SC and have spent the last 38 years between here and Charlotte, NC. My prayers are with you all and I too look forward to seeing his great smile again in a better place. May the God of all comfort bless and keep you in His great love.
Richard and Annette Painter 292 Searcy Road, Central, SC 29630 [email protected]

Mike Davenport

August 20, 2009

I wish that we all had more time to prepare for something like this. But life is full of surprises. JD was taken from us too soon. I will always cherish the memory of us winning first place in the pistol match with JD, Mr. "Red" Taylor, (Daddy as JD called him) and myself. Those were truly happy times. I will miss JD on the 25 yard line with his burro call that he sent to the other teams. JD was truly a friend to every person he saw. He was active in many outdoor activities. From the fish fries at Issac Walton to camping in a teepee I think he mostly did it all. Most of all I will miss his smile and words of encouragement. I never herd JD say a cross word about anyone or any subject. He was truly a man I counted as a friend. I hope and pray that we one day will meet on the other shore .
MIke Davenport

August 18, 2009

Be strong!
It matters,not how deep intrenched the wrong,how hard the battle goes,the day,
how long;Faint not,fight on!Tomorrow come the song.
A pond can not be a ocean,but a ripple on a pond can truly be a wave.
My brother i will always think of the
ripple of smiles you made on my pond they were truly waves.
Well , I'll leaving you in God hands and i'll be seeing you in the of land where we will never grow old.
God Bless you and your family.

Your Brother in Arms,
Slim
PS: Thanks for Sis.

robin zollars

August 17, 2009

Dianne and his children Jd will be greatly missed by all Our prayer are with you all I have had the chance to only know him for 3 years and he was a great man the love he had for his family. I will miss him riding by the house just to see what i have done to his yard and to hear him tell me you are over doing it or you should do it this way Jd you will be missed by all keep smileing in heaven

Dave Betts

August 17, 2009

I am so thankful that I had the privilege of knowing and spending time with JD. He meant so much to me personally. He always had time to share a story, joke, or teach. To Dianne, Rusty, Randy, Jeannie and family my deepest sympathy. His memory will live on with all of us that cared so much for him.

Judi Raburn

August 16, 2009

My dear cousin James Dennis taught me how to fish, taught me how to shoot a rifle and a shotgun and smoke "rabbit tobacco." As children we spent many happy hours at our granddaddy McCoy Ainsley's house in Ponzer, NC on the farm and on the Pungo River. I loved him dearly and will miss him forever.

August 16, 2009

We are sorry to hear of your loss. My husband and I graduated with James from Cradock in 1956. His picture shows the same smiling James that I remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Anne Werz Kenny

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