James Ray ‘Jim’ Rainwater, 70, passed away on September 16, 2025, at home with his family by his side after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on February 19, 1955, in Missouri, Jim was the son of Ernestine and James D. Rainwater. He spent most of his youth in South Bend, Indiana. In 1980, after a cross-country road trip, Jim and his wife, Gloria, moved to Plymouth, NH. They fell in love with the area after hiking the Presidential Range.

Above all else, Jim’s heart belonged to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife (and high school sweetheart of 53 years) Gloria ‘GoGo’ (Knudson) Rainwater; his son Will Rainwater; daughter-in-law Erin; and grandson Owen—whose sports games brought him immense pride and joy. He also leaves behind brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cal & Ruth Knudson; sister-in-law Marie Knudson; nieces Christina Colantuoni, Shawnee Rutherford, Emily Shuttleworth; nephew; David Knudson; as well as several great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Ernestine and James; sister Carol McGarrity, brother-in-law Michael, and nephew Jody McGarrity; and brother-in-law Brad Knudson.

Jim had a lifelong love for sports and generously gave his time coaching his son’s baseball and basketball teams. In 1993, he was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ for the Plymouth Area Little League.

Jim’s hobbies included designing, building, and renovating several homes. He also enjoyed playing golf, pickleball, collecting sports cards with his grandson, and family game night. Jim was a proud (and tortured) Chicago Bears fan (except in 1985 when they defeated the Patriots 46-10). He also loved watching Notre Dame football as he grew up in the shadows of “Touchdown Jesus.” Jim was a proud member of the Flyin’ Hawaiians.

Travel was another passion that brought Jim happiness. He loved road trips across country, spending time in the sun in Florida, and he especially cherished trips back home to Indiana, visiting family and friends.

‘Big Jim’ will be remembered for his quick wit and legendary gift for trash talking all things sports. His presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by everyone. Jim was a gentle giant and left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Prior to retiring in 2023, Jim spent more than two decades as a production manager  at New Hampshire Ball Bearing, where he was known for his steady leadership. Prior to NHBB, Jim worked at Plymouth Stitching in Ashland, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pemi Baker Hospice & Home Health in Plymouth, NH

A celebration of life - Join us anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 PM to celebrate the life of 'Big Jim'. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports team attire in his honor, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the Barn on the Pemi, Plymouth, New Hampshire.