James (Jim) Rainwaters

Jim Rainwaters passed away May 17, 2024. He was a compassionate, loyal, and loving husband to Evelyn and devoted stepfather to Courtney Potempa and Ashley Barra (Grant). He took immense pride in his role as Grandpa-Zona (the Grandpa in Arizona) to Rilyn (12), Makenzie (10), and Brooklyn Barra (10). His favorite saying to the granddaughters when they came to visit was "No Rules!"

Jim was born and raised an only child in Valparaiso, IN, with cousins who were like siblings. Jim attended Valparaiso University on a basketball scholarship and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He earned his MBA at Loyola University. After 30 years as a sales and marketing manager, Jim retired from AT&T in Chicago.

Jim and Ev were snowbirds from Naperville, IL, for 10 years before moving to Sun Lakes full time in 2017.

Jim was a dedicated volunteer in several ways. In Naperville, he was active in Naperville Cares and became a Stephen Minister at Community United Methodist Church. In Sun Lakes, he volunteered with Neighbors Who Care, joined the Board of Directors for the Sun Lakes HOA, and served on the church council for Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

Jim was a passionate tennis player, often playing 5 days a week. He once performed life saving CPR on a fellow player. He saved another neighbor who crashed his golf cart into the lake across the street from the tennis courts by pulling him from the water.

His deep faith helped him through the major medical issues he endured in the months prior to his passing. Jim will always be remembered for his generosity, unwavering kindness, and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held on July 20 at 10:30 am at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church. Memorials can be sent to Neighbors Who Care of Sun Lakes or Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.