James Gaynor was born in Salisbury, Maryland, July 27, 1952, to the late Lugene Gaynor and Flossie Farmer. He was the third of eight children.
James Gaynor, a retired IPS teacher, started his educational journey in Berlin Maryland attending Flower Street Elementary school and Worcester High School. James graduated from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore with a B.S. Degree in Social Sciences in 1974 plus his teaching certification. James pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity In 1971.
In 1974 James accepted an opportunity to earn a free Master’s degree, which required a move to Indianapolis, where he enrolled in a program called Teacher Corps that was associated with Indianapolis Public Schools. James earned his master’s degree and five teaching certifications, one of which was Special Education, in two years.
James was a modern day “Joe Clark”. He loved his students, and his students loved and respected him. The following excerpt is from James’ book “Beyond the Classroom” that will be published in his memory: “Our goal is not to enhance the negatives of their lives, but to alter and re-direct these influences, but in the process, we must address their issues. We should never hide the fact that gangs’ drugs, violence, dysfunctional families, hurt, and pain exists…these negatives are prevalent in their lives and in most cases their mentors or those that they admire are into vices…they have the money, the cars, and the girls. We must compete with this phenomenon and beat it. Felonies, prison, and death cannot be the only option for our youth.”
During his career, James was employed by the following high schools: Manual, Washington, as Dean, Broad Ripple Night School, and he retired from Arsenal Technical High School in 2013.
James Gaynor was united in Holy Matrimony to Ernestine Mathis Gaynor in 1976. This union spanned over 47 years. The secret to their 47-year marriage: “A Perfect Marriage Is Just Two Imperfect People Who Refuse to Give Up On Each Other” (Unknown).
James Gaynor professed his hope in Christ and was baptized in 1978 at Mount Olive Baptist church under the leadership of Rev. Wayne Harris. He was also a former member of Calvary Family Church, under the leadership of Pastor Barry Dixon. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Greater Gethsemane Missionary Baptist church.
James Gaynor departed this life on May 23, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife and family at the age of 70. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Donnie Farmer and Terry Van Farmer, and one sister, Sally Gaynor.
Loving memories will be cherished by his wife, Ernestine; four sons, Tony E. Mathis, James Kenny (Renee) of Maryland, James Thomas, and Andre Gaynor; one daughter, Nicole Gaynor of Indianapolis; brother Tony D. Gaynor and Quenette Farmer of Indianapolis, IN, Vanessa F. (CJ) Rounds, Cheryl (Richard) Waters, and Beverly Farmer from Salisbury, MD.
Humbly Submitted The Family
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