James Arthur May, 84, was called home on Saturday, January 21, 2023. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, January 26, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston with a visitation from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Jim was born May 20, 1938 in Emmetsburg, IA to Kenneth and Lucille (Sewick) May. He graduated from Estherville High School and worked for many years at the Norwalk Community Schools in the Maintenance Department. Jim loved woodworking and was proud of the many projects he did for family, friends and his church. After retirement, he worked at the Woodsmith Store in Clive. Jim helped with many church activities and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines. He enjoyed his coffee crew that met at McDonald’s, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Kansas City Chiefs.
Jim is survived by his daughter-in-law, Deanna; two granddaughters, Amy (Bob) Gilliam and Carrie (Luc) DuBay; great grandchildren, Daniel and Leslie Gilliam and Drew and Logan DuBay; and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and his son, Richard who passed 36 hours after him. He and his son were able to share a room at the nursing home and see each other before their deaths. It was his last wish.
Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines.
