James Everett Rainey Sr.

James Rainey Sr. passed away on August 29, 2017 at his home in Lumberton, Texas. Jim was born on May 19, 1930 in Meridian, Mississippi, to H.T. and Cora Bell Rainey. Known to his family as "Happy", Jim was known for always having a smile on his face. Whether you knew him as Happy, Jim, or Grandad, he was a central and loved part of his extended Rainey family. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy from 1947-1950. After his military service, he began his 50+ year career as an automotive upholstery trimmer. He opened his own upholstery shop in San Francisco and relocated to the Golden Triangle in the '70s, where he owned and operated Triangle Trim and Upholstery. 
Jim is survived by his wife Elaine Parish Rainey; his siblings, Ken Rainey Sr. and Frances Rainey Johns; his children, James Rainey Jr., Stephen Rainey, Joyce Rainey, Cheryl Rainey Behrens, and step-daughter Michelle Smith; his grandchildren, Suzie Jay Williams, Michael Jay, Brett Jay, Shannon Jay, James Rainey, III, Jason Rainey, Christina Rainey Linthicum, Stephen Rainey Jr., Mark Rainey, Crystal Behrens, Jeffrey Behrens, Matthew Jowett, Travis Crone, Kelly Crone, Kimberly Westberry, and James Hogg; his 23 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and countless nieces and nephews who he treated as his own.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents H.T. and Cora Bell Rainey; siblings H.T. Rainey Jr., Edward Rainey, Billy Rainey, Bobbye Jean Imbrigulio; and his eldest daughter, Jane Rainey Street.