James (Jim) Rainwaters

James (Jim) Rainwaters obituary, Sunlakes, AZ

James (Jim) Rainwaters

James (Jim) Rainwaters Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 26, 2024.
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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James (Jim) Rainwaters's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2024

Kristy posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2024

Jeff Potempa posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2024

Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76 posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Kristy

June 28, 2024

So sorry for your loss Mom 2. I still remember your wedding fondly. Hugs, prayers and love to you during this difficult time. -Kristy

Jeff Potempa

June 27, 2024

Ev, I am so sorry for your loss. Wish we could make the service but we will be out off the country on the 20th. Lots of love Jeff & Carolyn.

Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76

June 27, 2024

In coelo quies est.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in James (Jim) Rainwaters's name

How to support James (Jim)'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James (Jim) Rainwaters's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James (Jim) Rainwaters's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 28, 2024

Kristy posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2024

Jeff Potempa posted to the memorial.

June 27, 2024

Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76 posted to the memorial.