John C. Raines

John Claude Raines, 66, son of the late John Wesley and Eleanor Gibson Raines, was born on May 4, 1959, in Trenton, NJ. He was the fourth of five children. 

On April 7, 2026, John transitioned from labor to reward and reunited with his loving parents, grandparents, brother, other relatives and special friends.

John attended Trenton Public Schools through Jr. High School and graduated in 1977 from Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ. John continued his education at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts with an associates degree and completed additional course work at Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ. 

Upon leaving school, John began working at IBM in NJ and New York. After his tenure with IBM, John joined the Marriott Corporation in Princeton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA. John’s aptitude in managerial skills and strong interpersonal relations allowed him to connect easily with others, which led him to excel in his professional career. Upon leaving corporate America, John ventured into government services with the City of Trenton and Mercer County.  He was employed at Trenton Water Works and Mercer County One Stop where he served as the Deputy Director of Operations until his retirement in 2026.

John was a faithful and committed man of God. He joined Union Baptist Church at a young age and after serving under several Pastors he was ordained as Deacon under the leadership of Reverend Simeon D. Spencer. John also served faithfully as an usher and was an advisor with the Jr. Usher ministry. John was a devoted Deacon and loved visiting with the sick and shut-in especially on first Sundays to serve communion. He was always assisting Pastor Spencer, First Lady and anyone in need. His greatest love was being fed spiritually and sharing his anointing within and outside the walls of Union Baptist Church. 

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Eleanor, he continued to live out her legacy in the political arena. His love for politics allowed him to become a powerful political analyst within the community at the local, state, county and federal levels. He held the position as Vice President for Trenton Municipal Democratic Association; he was committee person for West Ward; Commissioner for Trenton Housing Authority and he was the Campaign Manager for former city councilwoman: Annette Lartigue.  He established the first paid summer camp for West Ward youth. John’s passion and tireless efforts was not in vain, in doing the work for the betterment of all people.

Along with his love for the Lord, John loved the Philadelphia Eagles, Sixers and New York Yankees.  In his spare time, he enjoyed playing spades, watching CNN, reading and loving on family and friends.  

Although he had no biological children, he was an Uncle to many and a Father to more. You could find him at any time attending sports events, plays, birthdays and graduations.

John was predeceased by his parents, John Wesley Raines and Eleanor Gibson Raines, and one brother Richard Raines and his bonus father/mentor, Harry Watkins.

John leaves to cherish his memories, his three sisters; Juanita Raines of Philadelphia, PA, Carol Raines-Sapp of Trenton, NJ, and Sabrina Raines of Decatur, GA, two special bonus brothers, Kenneth King, Sr. (Adrienne) of Willingboro, NJ; and James McMillian, Jr. (Kimberly) of Ewing, NJ. Two nephews, Ishmael Raines of Philadelphia, PA and Harun Sapp of Trenton, NJ. One niece Siobhan Raines of Montclair, NJ. Six great nephews Jamir, Nyair, Raamaj, Dylan, Wesley, Ace and two great nieces Arial and Delaney. Two special bonus nephews Kenneth King, Jr., Kamau Lee; and a host of special cousins and friends. 

John was so grateful for his support team who were right by his side throughout his final journey, as well as his medical team at Capital Health Hopewell Campus.

Funeral service will be 12pm Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Union Baptist Church, Pennington Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 10am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

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