James B. Gaines

After a long illness, James B. Gaines passed peacefully at his home on August 15, 2024. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa on April 21, 1944, to Blois and Alta Gaines.

Jim always loved adventure. If there was a little danger involved, that made it better. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered for Vietnam. After serving his tour of duty, he worked for Civil Service in Kodiak, Alaska. Later he decided to test his skills working on a king crab fishing boat. While on vacation visiting his parents in Iowa, he met his future wife, Louise Sands. He decided he didn't want to return to Alaska so went to flying school at Merigold, Mississippi, to become a crop duster. He enjoyed flying, but decided crop dusting was not for him. Jim and Louise were married May 10, 1968.

Jim always had fond memories of Wyoming because he had completed his basic military training at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It became clear to him he would like to return to Wyoming and settle down. He was initiated into Plumbers and Pipefitters United Association Local 192 September 15, 1969. He was a lifelong member for 54 years. During that time, he worked in Wyoming and across the country (including Alaska) as a plumber, pipefitter, or high rigger.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors.

Jim developed Alzheimer's in 2017. He is survived by his wife, Louise; son, Bob Gaines; sisters, Sandra Soffa of Buffalo, Colorado, and Debra Scherner of Ravenna, Ohio; sisters-in-law Dorothy Parker and Laura Williams of Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his son Michael Gaines; his brothers-in-law Larry Soffa, Arnold Sands, Frank Moore, Darrell Sands, Wallace Parker, LeRoy Schwanz, Virgil Colshan, and Walter T. Williams; his sisters in law June Sands, Mildred Moore, Pearl Schwanz, and Ruby Colshan.

Cremation has taken place and per Jim's wishes, no services will be held.