Obituary
James D. Mainey of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. He was 79 years old. Born in Boston, he was the beloved son of the late Dennis J. and Anna M. (Tipton) Mainey.
Jim was an extremely proud Army veteran. He served his country during the Vietnam War and considered his military service one of the utmost honors of his life. Jim fostered a successful career as an interior/exterior house painter, running his own small business for many years. He took great pride in his work, and his exceptional attention to detail endeared him to his customers and allowed him to excel in his profession.
Above all else, Jim was a devoted family man. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Papa,” Jim was always present in their lives. Whether it was a sporting event, school gathering, or any other occasion, Jim would never miss an opportunity to support his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and proudly cheer them on with enormous pride. He never wanted to miss a special moment and lived a life of joyous dedication to his family.
Jim’s life was a truly American story. He was devoted to his family, took pride in his military service, worked hard at his profession, and loved to spend his free time fishing and watching all professional sports.
Jim was the beloved husband of the late Sandra L. (Coyle) Mainey, devoted father of Christine Kelson and her husband Jay of Medford, Jim Mainey and his wife Jennifer of Quincy, the late Joseph Bonin and his surviving wife Ana of Medford, and the late Nancy (Bonin) MacDonald of Malden. He was the cherished grandfather of Jennifer Bonin, Rachel (McKim) Magowan, Jaime MacDonald, Matthew MacDonald, Michael Kelson, Christopher MacDonald, and Daniel Mainey, and the loving great-grandfather of Jason Antigua, McKenna Magowan, and Roy James “RJ” Peavey. Jim was the dear brother of the late John Mainey and the late Robert Mainey, and is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including one very special person, Carol D’Ambrosio, a loving, dedicated caregiver and an amazing friend for the past ten years.
Family and friends are warmly invited to attend all or any portion of the services honoring Jim’s life:
Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Tuesday, September 8th at 10:30AM at St. Raphael Church, 512 High St, Medford. Please meet directly at church and arrive 10 minutes prior to the services.
Interment and military honors will be immediately following the mass at Woodlawn Cemetery, 302 Elm St., Everett.
Celebration of life will take place following the cemetery services at 1:30PM at the Moose Lodge, 562 Broadway, Malden.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in James’ name to Tunnel to Towers Foundation