James Louis Raines Sr.

November 16, 1936 – April 11, 2026

James Louis Raines Sr. spent 89 years giving more than he ever took. Steady, intentional, and respected wherever he went — he carried himself with a quiet pride that earned attention without asking for it. When God called him home on April 11, 2026, the world lost someone who had been holding a great deal of it up.

Born in New Hill, North Carolina, James became the first Black paperboy in Chatham County before planting roots in Camden, New Jersey, at 18, where he led as the Freemason Grand Master for St. Peter's Lodge No. 1. He dedicated 42 years to Aluminum Shapes LLC in Pennsauken, NJ, as a mechanic technician supervisor before returning home to North Carolina, where he served faithfully at Holland Chapel AME Zion Church in Apex for over 25 years.

He was blessed to share 54 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Maggie Lassiter Raines, who preceded him in death. Together they built a home with an open door and a standard of showing up for others that still lives on.

He is reunited with his parents, Maude Wilson-Raines and Earlie Raines, his brothers, Percy, Rufus, Demetrius, Levander, and Harold; sisters-in-law, Unita (Coy) Wilson, Mary Breeze, Emma (Willie) McCullough, Louise Lassiter, and Ned Thomas Lassiter. He leaves behind his siblings, Charles (Javaline), Clarence Raines, Marjorie Brown, Edna (Calvin) McNeill, Mable Edwards, and Mary Francis Morgan; his dear friend, Jasper Lymon; his sisters-in-law, Bernice (Henry) Barbee and Wilhemenia (Andrew) Thomas; his children, James Jr., Andrew, Troy, Sean, Faith, and Danielle; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He lived well. He loved well. He led well.

Funeral Arrangements:
Monday, April 27, 2026 | Visitation: 11:00 am | Funeral: 12:00 pm

Place of Service: Holland Chapel AME Zion Church, 360 Burgess Rd., Apex, NC 27523

Interment: Holland Chapel Church Cemetery

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