James Gaines Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
James was born on May 29, 1937, in Macon, MO, the son of Howell and Jettie Lee (Dearing) Gaines. James was united in marriage to Sandra Kay Chasteen on August 31, 1957, in Macon. He served in the United Sates Army Transportation Corp following graduation from the University of Missouri at Columbia.
He began his career in 1960 at Hussmann Corporation in Bridgeton, MO working in the engineering and research departments and retired in 2001. He was an active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) during his tenure. He was also on the board of directors for the Macon Atlanta Bancorp in Macon.
He was a member of the Arlington United Methodist Church in Bridgeton and enjoyed photography, travel, and spending time with family and friends.
James is survived by his daughter, Kimberly "Kim" Gaines of Maryland Heights, MO, one brother, William "Bill" Gaines and his wife Joanne of Macon, and other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Charles Lee Gaines (Dixie Clapper), his wife, Sandra Kay Gaines, and son, Stephen Dearing Gaines.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Hutton & McElwain Funeral Home in Macon. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Macon. Visitation is from 10:00 to 11:00 am, Monday morning at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at the Arlington United Methodist Church in Bridgeton. The family suggests memorials to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis. 1300 Stassner Drive, Brentwood, MO 63144.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Gaines, please visit our Tree Store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Randy and Liz Gilmore
November 8, 2025
Kim, we along with all the neighbors are so sad about your dad. We will miss him very much. We talked to him nearly every day and will miss bringing him hot newly baked cookies that he was always fast to accept. Your parents and brother being our neighbors for nearly 30 years was something we will never forget. We truly miss your dad, mom and Stephen. As I always told your dad, we are here if you need us. The photos your dad framed for us will always hang proudly in our home.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
301 North Rubey Street, Macon, MO 63552
Make a Donation
in James Gaines's name
People and places connected with James
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support James's loved ones
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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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
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 moreWays to honor James Gaines's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
