James May

James William May, age 85, passed away Thursday morning, July 20, 2023 very peacefully at his home in Leesville, South Carolina surrounded by his loving wife, Joyce, and his children. He was born in Harbor View, Oregon, Ohio on July 19, 1938. He was a proud graduate from Clay High school in 1956, also in Oregon.

Jim excelled in every area of life and enjoyed his music, fishing in the rivers and lakes in Northwest Ohio and South Carolina, and was very well known for giving his catch to strangers and fellow anglers. Jim enjoyed woodworking and created many, many treasures that he gave to family and friends. Jim became very efficient at computer repairs and had many (customers) waiting patiently for him to get them back online, in which he gladly did for no charge, often purchasing hardware and software out of his own pocket and humbly telling them, “it was no big deal.”

Jim enjoyed many of his best years at Champion Spark Plug in Toledo, Ohio, working at every Toledo location at one time or another, serving as union steward for several years, and absolutely enjoyed advocating for his fellow union members. Jim had a rare blood type and often was the occasion that he left work to give others the gift of life. Jim was fortunate enough to be able to retire when Champion ceased its Toledo Operations. As you can see from above, Jim was a very trusted and giving man and we all truly lost a treasure Thursday morning.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce May (Adams); his sister, Sue; his brother, John (Karen); his sons, James Jr. Daughter Peggy (Chris) and Bradley (Teresa); stepsons, Jerry (Lori) and Greg (Judy), several grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that he cherished and spoiled at every opportunity.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius (Bill) and Martha; his brother, Bill and his wife Jane; his sister, Doris and her husband Duncan; his son, Reginald (Bill); and stepson, Lawrence (Larry).

There will be no visitation and no services for James. In lieu of flowers, we would prefer that any donations be made in his name to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the May family.