James D. Raynes

James lived most of his life in Lynn. He was a graduate of Lynn Classical High School, and Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. While serving, he was stationed at Fort Devens as a Cryptogram Instructor and was later honorably discharged. After leaving the Army, he enrolled in a Master’s Degree program at Boston University where he was granted a Master’s Degree in Education. From there he went on to teach English and Music at the local junior high, high school, and lastly at the college professor level at the Lynn Hospital School of Nursing.

After his teaching career, James worked as a bus driver and held a commercial driver’s license. He then received a certificate from Sylvania Technical School in Danvers, settled on a career as an electronics technician, and worked for Intertel for sixteen years. For part time work, he served as an organist, pianist, and choir director for many area congregations. James was a lifelong communicant of Saint Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church in Lynn where he sang in the choir. He was a dog lover and had many throughout his life, most recently Snowball/ Sweetheart, a Chihuahua that had the unique habit of sitting on his shoulder. James had a fondness for his East Lynn home on the Peabody line near Lakeshore Park where he treasured many collectibles.

James' final months were spent as a resident of Sunrise at Gardner Park in Peabody, an assisted living facility where he was adored by all the staff. He was a big fan of the New England Patriots, and for hobbies he enjoyed listening to classical music, playing the piano, reading, and walking the streets of his East Lynn neighborhood for collectible items while enjoying in the nature.

James is survived by his longtime partner, Josephine Russo Leonard, of Lynn; his niece Carol M. Dube and of Brookline and nephew Richard F. Milbury of Somerville and their respective children and spouses. He is predeceased by his parents Grace D. and Frederick M. Raynes, his sister Mertie R. Milbury and brother-in-law Donald M. Milbury.

Visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, 157 Maple Street, Lynn. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen’s Memorial Episcopal Church, 74 S Common Street, Lynn. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn.