John "Jack" Gaines

John "Jack" Allen Gaines, 84 of Pittsburgh, Pa., passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at home surrounded by his loving wife of 38 years, Joyce (Butler) Gaines.

Born January 9, 1933, in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was the youngest of five children of the late Charles Major Gaines and Henrietta (Allen) Gaines.

During his early years he served as scout master for troop 192, coached girls softball(Pittsburgh Ponnies and Pittsburgh Oriels) and coached youth basketball at the YMCA. He served in the Army and the National Guard. After his discharge, he later worked out of Local 249 as a building trades carpenter. Upon his retirement from the Pittsburgh Housing Authority he found time for many hobbies and activities. 

His passion for sports included trap shooting where he held lifetime gun memberships with the Amateur Trap Shooting Association (ATA), Dorie Rod gun club and the West Penn gun club. In addition, he also loved to fish and ride horses. He was most passionate about his love for the Lord and was felt called to minister in the various prison systems throughout Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. Working through his local church and through the national prison fellowship ministry and the Kairos prison ministry, the Lord used him in this position to transform many lives.

He was an active member of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church up until his illness; he loved fellowshipping with the male chorus and the men's Bible study group.

He is survived by his wife Joyce, daughter Denise Gaines of Memphis, TN, Jeanie Schifino,sons John, Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA, David Gaines of Fayetteville, NC, Jaison ( Mioche) Powell of Pittsburgh, PA, and William Gaines. In-laws Delores Gaines of Pittsburgh, Lillie (Reginald) Mitchell of Fairmont, WV, Sonetta Brown of Fairmont, WV, Phoenicia (Ron) Keffer of Morgantown, WV, Lisa Butler of Columbia, MD and WIlliam George (fiance Jennifer Parker) Butler II of Fairmont. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn Love, Arlene Ketchum, Marjorie Oatneal and brother Charles Gaines.