Rev. James Maynard Gaines, affectionately known to family and friends as just Maynard, was born to the late Maynard and Mary Hampton (Vesselles) Gaines on February 12, 1962, in Fredericksburg, VA.

Although Maynard was born in Virginia, the family resided in Washington, D.C. Maynard spoke fondly of those years living at 13^th and Monroe Streets, and of his formative years in the D.C. public school system.  By 1970, the family had relocated back to Hustle, Virginia where Maynard was raised with his beloved siblings: Vonnie, Don and Craig.

Maynard graduated from the Essex County School System and was a proud member of the Trojan Class of 1979.

Maynard is remembered by family and friends for his charismatic and outgoing personality. Maynard’s quick wit, and humor, pulled you close to him: you were hooked! Maynard was a friend to everyone; everyone knew him. And when needed, Maynard could and would rally the troops. Maynard could indiscriminately rag on family and friends alike.

Maynard was an avid baseball player.  He honed his skills under his father’s tutelage. Maynard played with the Hustle Hornets. Most weekends, you could find him in a game at one of our local area baseball diamonds; second base was his domain. He continued to play after entering the Army in 1979. Maynard loved football too! He rooted for the Washington Redskins and Commanders. He fancied himself a sports analyst and kept up with Washington’s history and stats.

Maynard was a passionate motorcycle enthusiast, finding joy in the open road and the friendship of fellow riders. Known as “Shiny Dog” to his biker friends or as the guy with that sweet, bright, yellow Harley-Davidson. For many years, he was an active member of In Control Riders motorcycle club and enjoyed participating in rides, bike rallies, parties, community events, organizing church bike blessings or simply sharing his passion.

Maynard had creative interests that included acting and television production. Many will remember him locally for his Christian stage play performance as “Ray Ray”. Maynard also starred as Rev. Studdard in the 2012 movie, Green Castle. Who would have guessed then that the role would eventually become reality. Whether as a television series extra, production crew member or using his gift in the church drama ministry, Maynard’s personality, gifts and humor shown through.

Maynard was a proud veteran who served in the US. Army for 8 years. He loved being in the Army, and often said, that if it were possible, he’d re-up today. He loved the camaraderie, and the lasting bonds forged with other servicemen.

Maynard was hardworking and always prided himself in having a job: sometimes two. Maynard was a long-time employee at Washington Gas. As a gas auditor, he was known for his fairness and knowledge of the natural gas code/standards book. Maynard also worked as General Manager at Dynamic Concepts, Inc., Washington, DC. There, he ushered in new work structures and increased revenue for the company. Then, there was the part-time job at Walmart that put some extra money in his pocket and gave him the opportunity to do what he loved most: to interact with people.

On April 04, 2011, Maynard married his beloved, Silvia Holmes Gaines, to which he shared over 17 years of companionship.  Together, they witnessed the coming of age of Maynard’s daughters, Chardonnay, Tori and Taylor, and the birth of two grandchildren, D’mir (“Duck’) and A’Ryiah (“Sweets”).  After God, his greatest love was reserved for family.  Maynard went to great lengths to connect to all of them, especially his daughters. And, for those Grands, his heart just overflowed.

At an early age, Maynard accepted Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized and joined the Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  Maynard was a man of faith, and, later in life, he experienced a profound sense of joy and fulfillment upon rededicating his life to Christ. Maynard was unthinkably enthusiastic about serving. From Usher, to Deacon, and then Reverend, Maynard was ALL in!

Maynard was licensed in the Gospel of Ministry by Rev. Leonard G. Bland, on June 27, 2021, at Salem Baptist Church, King George, VA.  On April 20, 2024, Rev. J. Maynard Gaines was ordained by Rev. Fred Sales, Sr. as an Associate Pastor at Macedonia Baptist Church, Colonial Beach, VA. Maynard loved God’s people. He wanted everyone to know that Jesus Saves. Maynard’s way was through a gentle conversation. He loved to know a person’s story, and to use his own testimony to spread the goodness of God. When facing health trials, it seemed that he would always just bounce back, and you could hear him say, “He’s (God) done it again”.

On Friday, May 16, 2025, Rev. J. Maynard Gaines, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend was called to rest.  Rev. J. Maynard was pre-deceased by his parents, Maynard and Mary Hampton Gaines, and leaves to cherish his memory:

His wife, Silvia H. Gaines, his three daughters, Chardonnay Washington, Tori and Taylor Gaines, two grandchildren, D’Mir Broadway and A’Ryiah Crawford, all of Fredericksburg, VA; a sister, LaVonia “Vonnie” Rich of Hustle VA, two brothers, Donald “Don” Gaines of Hustle, VA and Craig Gaines (Amanda) of Tappahannock, VA; an uncle, William “Bill” Gaines of Hustle VA; three aunts Alma Nelson (William “Billy”), of Center Cross, VA, Mary Gaines and Lelia Jackson of Hustle, VA.; a father-in-law, Robert P. Holmes, Sr. of King George, VA; a brother-in-law, Robert P. Holmes, Jr. (Michelle) of Erie, PA; five sisters-in-law, Linda Carter (Gerard) of Stokesdale, NC, Vanessa Brown of Colonial Beach, VA, Janice Rogers (Tommy) of Richmond VA, Leonora Williams (Jason) of King George, VA, Iris Williams (Mike) of Virginia Beach, VA;  a special cousin, Trudell Taylor of Tappahannock, VA; a host of nieces & nephews, other cousins, family, friends, and his Macedonia Baptist Church Family.

In Loving Memory,

The Family