James Howard Cairnes, Sr.

James Howard Cairnes, Sr., known to all as Sonny Cairnes, 78, of Dewitt, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 24, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles T. Cairnes and Fannie Cairnes; his first wife, Shirley Howlett; his son, James "Snowball" Cairnes, Jr.; his brother, Thurman "Peter" Cairnes; and his sisters, Margaret Goodwyn, Florence Peters, and Lucille "Sug" Hawkins.

Sonny worked for Lewis Brother's Logging of McKenney and Dinwiddie County Landfill. He was the happiest at home surrounded by family and his little dog, Pretty Girl. He was famous for selling watermelons, cantaloupes, and wood. He also loved fishing and going to mud bogs.

Sonny leaves to cherish his wonderful memories his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, RoxAnne Cairnes; sons, Charles Cairnes, of Dewitt and Christopher Cairnes (Stephanie), of Dewitt; daughters, Jessica Cairnes, of Dewitt, Rebecca Cairnes, of Chesterfield, and Amy Robin Cairnes Spiker (Michael), of Florida; grandchildren; Willy Daniel (Amber), Austin Daniel, Victoria Daniel (Bobby), Jacque C. Dompierre, Clarence Benjamin Dompierre, Christopher Wade Cairnes, Leigha Marie Cairnes, and Kaesa James Cairnes; additional grandchildren, Ledger, Remington, and Daniel; great-grandchildren, Quincy and Prince Redmon, Jacque J. Dompierre, Hunter Dompierre, and Charlotte Dompierre; sister, Sandra Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

The family will receive friends at the Dinwiddie Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son, 6616 Boydton Plank Road, on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations towards Sonny's funeral expenses.