Rainey, J. Christopher “JC”
Some lights simply shine as brightly as they possibly can. J. Christopher was such a light: a talented, dynamic, accomplished, visionary and humble man, who loved his family, served his country, and constantly enhanced those around him.
He entered the world on July 12, 1974, the youngest of three children born to Clifton Rainey and Claudette E. Rainey. The Raineys value God and family above all and instilled a passionate goal-oriented work ethic in each of their children.
Affectionately known as Chris in his youth, even then he was always ambitious and always busy. He grew up and was educated in Avon, Connecticut; played the piano, was active in sports, and excelled in his studies. Chris was funny, charming, and intelligent. In 2003, Chris married the love of his life, Luz Medina. Luz and Chris have two beautiful children, Valentina and Manolo.
After attending Elizabeth City State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting, in 1996 he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 21 years. Known as “J.C.” in military circles,
he valued service to his country highly and attained the rank of Technical Staff Sergeant. JC received the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and AF Good Conduct Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters. While serving in the Air Force, J.C. obtained IT security operations and certifications, which only a small group of people in the world have achieved, including a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) license. Ultimately, his goal was to become a Servant Agilist Consultant.
But in 2017, J.C. sustained an anoxic brain injury, which robbed him of the ability to speak and move on his own. On December 8, 2021, J.C. transitioned from earth to glory.
To honor J.C.'s living legacy, last year his family and close friend, Frederick Gill, established the J. Christopher Rainey Endowment and Scholarship at Elizabeth City State University.
J.C. is survived by his loving wife, Luz, his beloved children, Valentina and Manolo, his parents, Clifton and Claudette Rainey (nee John), his brother Lamont Rainey (Melissa), his sister, Major Leslie Rainey Davy (Ansley), his special aunts Alice Gissendanner and Florence John, his nieces, Latasia Monae and Taylynn Simone, and his nephews, Caleb, and Cyrus, together with a host of other family and friends.
Rest in peace and in paradise, our dear J. Christopher. We love you!
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the J. Christopher Rainey Endowment at jcraineyendowment.org
A Memorial Service celebrating the life of J.C. will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, 1:00pm at:
Bethel AME Church, 1154 Blue Hills Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002, Church Phone: 860-243-5778
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries