John A. Cain

He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on March 7, 1944, to James Paul Cain and Minnie Eugenia Moss. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Paul Cain, Jr.; and his beloved wife, Patricia Rothrock Cain.

John was a devoted employee of Jacobi Hardware for 31 years. He also held management positions at several local stores, including Newell's and Eckerd's, where he met his wife. He was a lifelong flirt, and his beautiful blue eyes got him into—and out of—trouble throughout his life.

He spent his youth in downtown Wilmington and especially enjoyed spending time at Greenfield Lake. His favorite pastime was fishing, and he spent many days casting a line from the pier or along the beach at Wrightsville Beach. In 1970, he caught a state-record pompano, a record he held for 30 years. He passed his love of fishing down to his sons and grandchildren, who remain talented fishermen to this day.

He is survived by his children, Paula Faye Sylvia (Billy), John David Cain (Kara), and Jason Patrick Cain (Charlene); his grandchildren, Caroline Sylvia, John David Cain, Jr., Trey Patrick Cain (Miki), Michael Lee Cain, Hunter Patrick Cain, Zac Charles Decker (Keri), and Shaina Martin (Eddie); and many beloved great-grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service and interment will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 1 p.m. The family invites friends and loved ones to a reception afterward at 206 Greenview Drive.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.coblegreenlawn.com