James W. Gaines Sr., 83, of Kennesaw, passed away on December 12, 2024.

After James graduated from Marietta High School, he joined the Air Force and was stationed at Loring Air Force Base in Limestone Maine. He was in the Security Defense Guard and patrolled with highly trained Sentry Dogs. It was in Maine that he met his wife of 56 years Darlene who passed away in 2018. They expanded their family and after 4 years they returned to Marietta. He worked at Atlantic Steel for 36 years as a machinist and then went on to work at Georgia Tech as a research machinist. James loved to travel and attend concerts on the square.

James is survived by his children, Jimmy Gaines (Tracey), and Darla Raye Gaines (William); sisters, Martha Bickers (Conley), and Grae Daniel; grandchildren, Emma Faries (Josh), Jordan Gaines (Liz), Will Brandt, and Kaitlin Brandt (Tyler); as well as 3 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.