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Obituary For James Louis Raines, Sr.
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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Sorry to hear about Cousin James's death.May God give all Who knew and loved him strength and peace at this time and the days ahead.
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Since I have known James Louis Raines Sr., he has always been someone who carried himself with strength and presence. He was a man you could respect, and you could feel the impact he had on the people around him.
I'm truly grateful to have known him, even in the capacity that I did. His life, his example, and the way he showed up will always be remembered.
I'm praying for strength, comfort, and peace for the family during this time. I know he will continue to live on through each of you.
Rest well, Mr. Raines. You will not be forgotten. Jacob Owusu
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May pop raines rest in his heavenly home. My deepest condolences to the family. Thank you Raines family for loving my sister and I like family. Rest well pop Raines you will truly be missed forever in our hearts. Marie Laughlin
Aunt Fay, uncle Troy, Drew, Junnie... I'm so sorry for the loss of your father. Uncle James will be missed deeply... Praying for you all during this difficult time...
To Troy, Etta, & Family, sending our prayers of strength and comfort to you.
Yolanda Moore-Gaddy & Howard Gaddy
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
