David Jackson (Mr. G) Gaines

Courtesy Announcement

David Jackson Gaines was born on June 11, 1932 in Hartwell, GA during The Great Depression.  He transitioned while residing at Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in East Orange, NJ on August 3, 2024.  He was the eighth of 12 children born to Florence and Essie Gaines. He attended elementary and high school in the segregated Hartwell, GA school system. 

David met and fell in love with Lottie Marie Hartwell while working in Montauk, NY.  They were married in her hometown of East Hampton, NY on January 22, 1956.  They later moved to Brooklyn, NY.  Five wonderful sons were born from their union. 

They soon left New York and moved to New Jersey.  They lived in Newark and East Orange, before settling down in Montclair. While living in New Jersey, David was self employed before becoming disabled. 

He was a very proud Korean War veteran and never left home without his veteran’s cap. 

David was affectionately nicknamed “Papa G”,  “ Mr. G” and “Romeo”.  He would proudly let you know “I am Mr.  G and don’t you forget it”. 

One of Papa G’s favorite past times was playing MegaMillions, PowerBall, Pick 3 and Pick 4.  He played almost daily and did quite well with winning. 

His favorite thing to do was visiting his much loved Hartwell, Ga. His favorite song was “ Georgia on my Mind” by Ray Charles.  He had many friends and family there that he cherished.  He couldn’t wait to travel there and eat his meals at the Huddle House, and to help out at Mack’s Funeral Home.  He got great enjoyment  from sitting on the front porch on his farm and visiting his only living sibling, 95 year old Florence Gaines Jr. 

Papa G felt like his greatest achievement in life were his five sons. He loved them very much and he was so proud of them. 

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Lottie Marie, his parents Florence & Essie Gaines;  his son, David Gaines Jr. and by ten of his eleven siblings:  Willie, John, Paul, Lloyd, Essie Mae, Rev Florence Gaines Jr, Delmos,  Carlton, Josephine Barnes, Bobby Nell Johnson and Harold. 

Loved ones left to cherish his memory are his four sons, Michael Gaines  (Julia) of East Orange, NJ,  Gregory (Deborah)  Gaines of Forestville, MD,  Gary (Lisa) Gaines of Glassboro, NJ, Terence (Monique) Gaines of Hope Mills, NC,  brother Florence Gaines Jr.  of Hartwell, GA and devoted niece Pam Gaines of East Orange, NJ.  He is also survived by twelve grandchildren,  twenty- two great grandchildren and an abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Also cherishing Papa G’s memory are Al and Gwen Eppinger & family, Rev. Richard Sheller, his Ohio Gaines family and his wife’s Hartwell family. 

The family of David Jackson Gaines would like extend their sincere appreciation for the many texts, phone calls, social media posts, cards and visits during their bereavement. 

May God continue to bless you  and may you be a blessing to others. 

All acts of kindness will be acknowledged. 

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