Eugene "Jimmy" Bains Obituary (1942 - 2021)

Eugene James (Jimmy) Bains age 78 of Bloomington passed away Thursday evening on March 25th, 2021 surrounded by Family. The Funeral will be held at 2:00pm at Freedom Baptist Church 2006 Fox Creek Rd, Bloomington, IL 61701, on Saturday April 3, 2021. Visitation will be 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given in care of the Bains family for a memorial to be established later. Celebration of Life Bowling Party from 6:00 PM to 9:00PM at Twin City Lanes Bloomington. He will be buried at Parkhill Cemetery at a later date. He was born September 29, 1942 to Eugene Bains and June Fry (Bains). He was raised by his Grandparents Carl and Caroline Bains and was also by his Great Aunt Cora Lawson. His passions growing up were High School Band where he played the drums. He also had show rabbits, was a member of 4H and won a shoebox full of ribbons. He was known as the bunny man. He was also a member of Western Avenue Boxing Club when he was a teenager. In the early 60s he got into cars, and bought his 33 chevy coupe to hop up, and had a 55 chevy with a 301 in it that he cruised Main St with. His Prized car was a 65 Shelby Mustang he owned and drag raced briefly in 66 and 67. At one time he had a collection of 25 Classic Cars. He also loved bowling and was in a weekly league off and on for his entire life. He even started a team 5 years ago to stay active. He took pride in being the oldest bowler in the league at 78. He still had a 165 average when he retired from bowling last fall. His love of cars and telling stories led him to his professional career of car sales. At the age of 25 he was the youngest Sales Manager in his Ford District in 1967. Sales stayed with him and he started Gene Bains Sales and Service selling and servicing lawn mowers in the late 70's. That business still survives today as Nord Outdoor Power. His love of mechanical toys included his love of airplanes and he obtained his Pilot License. He had a 1959 Cessna airplane. He loved racing and motorsports; he raced quarter midgets with his youngest kids. He stated that it kept him young. They raced for years eventually moving up to a Street Stock. After retiring he just kept buying and reselling used cars and enjoying life. He had a Wonderful sense of humor and was a great talker. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him. He was one car crazy Bowler!!! He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and his brother Rodney Bains. He is Survived by His brother Jeffery Bains (Florida), His 5 Children Tracy (Tammy) Bains (Normal IL.), Tonya Bains(Ventura Ca.), Nicole (Richard) Bossert(Chicago IL.), Travis(Simone) Bains(Bloomington IL.), and LaTasha (Tyler) VerGowe(Bloomington IL.). 13 Grandchildren (Josh, Jennifer, Jessica, Jay, Ronnie, Charlotte, Jackson, Avery, Syndey, Aiden, Alicia, Kyra, Tyler James, and 8 Great Grandchildren (Macinzie, Mattie, Colton, Maleia, Elijia, Madelyn, Kelly, (and one on the way.))