John W. Gains

The Right Reverend (Father) John W. Gains, 87, of Georgetown, Delaware, passed peacefully at home on March 7, 2026. Born on October 25, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Earl and Margaret Gains, he lived a life of remarkable faith, service, and devotion - as a sailor, a tradesman, a builder of community, and above all, a man of God.

Father John grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated from West Chester High School. On November 19, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Kennedy, in Cook County, Illinois - a union that would anchor his life for decades to come.

Father John served his country in the United States Navy, where he worked in Naval Intelligence. The discipline, precision, and purpose instilled during his service shaped the man he would become and set the foundation for the career that followed. He remained connected to his fellow veterans throughout his life as a lifetime member of American Legion Post 0019 and a life member of VFW Post 7447.

Drawing on the technical aptitude honed during his years in Naval Intelligence, Father John built a second career repairing office equipment, traveling extensively throughout the Delmarva Peninsula and becoming a trusted and familiar face to businesses across the region.
Later in life, Father John answered a call that would define his legacy. He pursued his vocation with characteristic determination, earning a doctorate degree and being ordained as an Anglican Bishop. What began as Sunday services held in his own living room grew, step by faithful step, into the Anglican Parish of St. James in Georgetown, Delaware - a congregation that has stood for over 25 years. True to his convictions, the parish proudly uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, honoring the traditional Communion Service.

His pastoral care was tireless and unconditional. Even in his final weeks, he would answer every phone call with the words that became his hallmark: "Father John, how can I help you?" He sat with a grieving family through the night before Easter Sunday, offering comfort when it was needed most. He and his church family raised funds to support a colleague's mission work in India, including the construction of a well to provide clean water. These are only a few examples of a ministry that touched countless lives.

To his grandchildren Douglas and Jaclyn, he was Papa John - or PPJ, a family title he earned long before any pizza franchise could claim it. They remember him as the man who always found a perfectly good back road rather than trouble himself with a highway, who taught them to fish and to cook a proper stick-to-your-ribs soup, and who reigned supreme at family Trivial Pursuit nights. His friends remember a thoughtful and generous listener, someone who showed up - genuinely and reliably - whenever he was needed.

This was a good man of God who made a lasting difference in his community. He will be deeply missed.

Father John is survived by his sister, Sarah A. Macomber of McAllen, Texas; his grandchildren, Douglas J. Davidson of Quinby, Virginia, and Jaclyn M. (Joshua) Griffin of Delmar, Maryland; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Jaina Griffin. He also leaves behind the cherished congregation of the Anglican Parish of St. James, Georgetown, Delaware, and his friendship group.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl W. Gains and Margaret (Reese) Gains; his wife, Mary Catherine (Kennedy) Gains; his sons, John Michael and Joseph Matthew Gains; his daughter, Janet (Gains) Davidson; and his nephews, Ian Macomber and Chris Macomber.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint James Anglican Parish, 23269 Park Avenue, Georgetown, Delaware 19947. All who loved him are welcome. Fellowship will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Saint James Anglican Parish at the address above.

The family wants to remind everyone of what PPJ always said; "Keep your powder dry. Rubber on the road, painted side up".