James (Jim) Harry May was born in Columbus, Ohio on February 28, 1946 to Mary Francis (Kirk) and Floyd Harry May and died January 18, 2022 at his home in Nephi, Utah. He married his sweetheart of 54 years, Shirley Ann Gustin on April 22, 1967 and was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.
Jim was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and loved the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His church service included a two-year Family History Mission and as Coshocton, Ohio Branch President for five-years among many other callings throughout his life.
When he was 17 years old he joined the U.S. Navy Seabees (Construction Battalion). He served three tours in Vietnam and retired as Chief Petty Officer (E-7) after 22 years of service. He spoke often of his service in the military and the brotherhood and friendships he gained.
He was proud of his time in the military, but spoke of his family as his greatest accomplishment. His greatest joy came from spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, and extended family.
Jim loved to work with his hands. He enjoyed woodworking, fixing things around the house, working on family history, going for drives, talking on the phone to friends and family near and far, and taking care of his dog Rosie.
Jim is survived by his wife Shirley, sister Glenda Dershem (Jamey), three children, and six grandchildren. Children include Linda Tanner (Brad) and their children Marley, Hoggan, Beckett, and Gibson (Provo,Utah), Stephen (Saratoga Springs, Utah), and Jennifer Pohm (Robert) and their children Grant and Madeleine (San Tan Valley, Arizona). James is preceded in death by parents Mary, Floyd, Glen Brown (step-father) and brothers Paul and Roy.
A viewing is scheduled for Monday, January 24, 2022 at the Nephi 4th & 5th Ward building located at 345 East 500 North in Nephi, Utah from 10 am to 10:45 am. The Funeral will follow at 11:00 am at the same building. All are welcome to attend. Following the service, Jim will be buried at the Vine Bluff Cemetery located at 1240 North 400 East in Nephi, Utah.