James Edward Gaines, 88, of Fairmont, West Virginia died Saturday, July 30, 2022 in the Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center – Guardian Healthcare. He was born October 6, 1933 in Wilsonburg, WV a son of the late Herbert Edward Gaines and Virginia Rebecca Fairfax Gaines. He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Lee Kirkpatrick Gaines. He is survived by two daughters and a son in law Margaret “Margie” Craig of Leesburg, VA and Becky & Dick Tennant of Winchester, VA, a son Jay Gaines of Fairmont, WV, a sister Charlotte Sharpe of Stuart, FL, four grandchildren Tiffany Lee Coleman, Holly Mirinda Talada, James Evan Gaines & Adam Scott Gaines and two great grandchildren Luke Talada & Piper Talada. He was preceded in death by his daughter in law Joy Gaines. Mr. Gaines had previously worked as a Maintenance Supervisor for the West Virginia Department of Highways and had retired as the Safety and Reclamation Director for the King Knob Coal Company. He was a 1952 graduate of Victory High School, a member of the White Hall Lions Club, and a charter member of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing. He was also a member of a local shooting club in the area. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. A private service and committal will be held for the family in the Bridgeport Cemetery in Bridgeport, WV. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.