DEERFIELD—John “Jack” Edwin Gainsley, Jr., age 88, of Deerfield, departed this life early Monday morning, September 16, 2024, at Hampton Manor of Dundee. He was born August 22, 1936, the oldest child of nine children from the union of the late John M. and Donna Jane (McWilliam) Gainsley.
A lifelong Deerfield resident, John attended St. Alphonsus Catholic School and graduated from Deerfield High School with the Class of 1954. He selflessly enlisted to serve his country as a member of the United States Army in 1955, serving two years during peacetime before his Honorable Discharge in 1957. Returning to civilian life, John bought a farm just outside of Deerfield and married the love of his life, Blissfield native Yvonne Teresa Cousino, on April 20, 1963. Together, they proudly raised three children, instilling in them the fundamental principles of hard work and strong Christian values.
While John farmed most of his adult life, his primary income came from his dedicated 32-year employment with General Motors in Toledo, where he retired in 1991. Catholic by faith, John was a lifelong devout parishioner of Light of Christ Parish, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. He also belonged to the Deerfield American Legion Post 392, and his civic involvement included the Deerfield Co-op as well as a seat on the D&P Communications Board of Directors. He loved to go to farm auctions, collect coins and toy tractors, and listening to music. Family was his priority, and he found joy in every opportunity with them, oftentimes playing cards. John was a determined and independent individual, who was ever-eager to answer the call of duty, and was proud to provide for his family. He was meticulous with every detail, had an impeccable sense of direction, and held resourcefulness in high regard. His serious demeanor was complemented with his subtle humor and charm; he will be greatly missed.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 61 years, Yvonne, is a son, Timothy (Peggy) Gainsley of Maumee, OH; two daughters, Catherine Gainsley (Ford Hamman) of Springport, MI and Jane (Alonzo) Hall of Lakeland, FL; seven siblings, Richard Gainsley of Sylvania, Janet (Al) Nighswander of Deerfield, Jean Gainsley of Ann Arbor, Bonnie (Bill) Simon of San Ramon, CA; Tom Gainsley of Blissfield, Bill (Dodie) Gainsley of Brooklyn, MI, and Jane (Ken) Nieman of Holland, MI; a brother-in-law, John Bersuder; two grandchildren, Adam and Jeffrey Gainsley of Maumee; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a sister, Sue Catherine Bersuder; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Gainsley.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield, on Thursday, September 19, 2024, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and concluding with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass for the repose of John’s soul will be celebrated by Father Jeffrey Poll on Friday, September 20, at 11:00 a.m., at Light of Christ Parish, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Deerfield, where visitation will also be held for one hour prior. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorial donations in honor of John to benefit Light of Christ Parish. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.andersonfuneralservices.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Anderson-Rudd Funeral Home, Blissfield.