James Allen Gainwell Sr.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born,

and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted…” |

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

A Time to Be Born

James Allen Gainwell, affectionately known as “The Man, The Legend, The

Coach”, was born to the late Gertrude and Leo Gainwell. One sister, Lela Mae

McCullough, five brothers: Lawrence Gainwell, Leo Gainwell Jr., Robert

Gainwell, Sr., Lacy Gainwell, Jessie Gainwell and Thomas Gainwell also

preceded him in death.

A Time to Learn

James received his education from the Yazoo County Public School System.

A Time to Begin Her Christian Journey

James accepted Christ as Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized at

Steve Chapel A.M.E Church. He was member for over 60 years, where he

served as an Usher. In 2023, he united with the Mount Nebo Missionary

Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Darryl D. Phillips, Sr.

A Time to Love

James was united in marriage to Louise Harris Gainwell. To this union, nine

children were born, consisting of six sons and three daughters. Two children

preceded her in death: James Allen Gainwell Jr. and Linda D. Collins.

A Time to Mourn

Our beloved Father, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend transitioned from his

earthly home to her heavenly home on May 29, 2026.

A Time to Cherish

James leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters: Gloria Jean Smith and

Evangelist Carolyn Jefferson, both of Benton, MS; five sons: Napoleon

(Cynthia); Minister Eddie Earl; Pastor Curtis (Monica); Charles and

Fredrick, all of Benton, MS; two adopted sons: Charles Austin of Houston, TX

and Jimmy White of Yazoo City, MS; two sisters: Alice Austin and Dorothy

(Willie) White, both of Yazoo City, MS; one brother, Walter Gainwell Sr. of

Yazoo City, MS; three sisters-in-law: Essie Hendrix, Mattie Mae Hendrix,

and Annie Hendrix; four other brothers-in-law: Roosevelt Hendrix, R.C

Hendrix, Henry Earl Hendrix and Larry Starling; and a host of

grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces,

nephews, cousins, other family and friends.