James Gilbert Mains

James G. Mains, 93, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 29, 1931, to DeWitt and Pansy (Winslow) Mains. James graduated from Battle Creek Central High School, specializing in architectural design, and served proudly in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Fort Custer, Battle Creek, Selfridge Air Force Base, Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and Fort Devens, Ayer, Massachusetts. During his service at Fort Devens, he met the love of his life, Evelyn Tocci. They married on September 20, 1952. They lived in Massachusetts until moving to Battle Creek in 1970. James owned a professional painting contractor business in Battle Creek. He looked forward to the annual deer hunting trips he took with his brothers and friends to their cabins in northern Michigan every fall. He was an avid fan of the University of Michigan Wolverines and was suspected of having Maize and Blue blood running through his veins. He also supported the Detroit Tigers, Pistons, Lions, and Red Wings, and enjoyed going to hometown baseball games at Bailey Park in Battle Creek. He was immensely proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed Celtic music and horse racing.

He was an active member of the American Legion and “Phi Beta Zeller”, the corner donut shop in Battle Creek where he and others would have lively discussions over donuts and coffee. James was an altar server at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek. An enthusiast of historical books and musical theater, James also enjoyed attending the Scottish Irish Festival in Phoenix, Arizona. In Massachusetts, he was a member of the Leominster Sportsman Club. He retired to Arizona in 2009.

In addition to his wife of 71 years, James is survived by daughter Sandra Schulte of Marshall, Michigan, son James (Pamela) Mains of Inkster, Michigan, daughter Deborah Ricker of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and daughter Karen (Joseph) Procopio of Mesa, Arizona; eight grandchildren: Jennifer Chiaramonti, Heather Burson, Jason (Melissa) Ricker, Michael Mains, Joseph (Caitlyn) Procopio, Crista (Kalu) Procopio, Brianna (Raymond) Ortega and Anthony Procopio, and four great-grandchildren: Stewart Ricker, Kaelia Ricker, Rhysand Ortega and Joseph Benjamin Procopio; and brothers Stanley (Linda) Mains, Rollin (Grace) Mains, both of Battle Creek, David (Mary) Mains of Florida, and sister Virginia (Richard) Duflo of Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, DeWitt A. Mains and Pansy (Winslow) Mains, brothers: Kenneth (Kiko, also deceased) Mains, Richard (Carolyn, also deceased) Mains, and Virgil (Violet, also deceased) Mains.

Per his wishes, James has been cremated. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 21, at All Saints Catholic Church, 1534 N. Recker Rd. in Mesa, Arizona, followed by interment with military honors and bagpipes at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids.