James W. May

James William May was born to the late Willie May and Carrena Jones, in Livingston, Alabama, February 26, 1930.  James accepted Christ, and attend regular church service, and bible study as an active member of Cornerstone Church in Toledo, OH.

At age 21, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the Infantry Medical Unit as a Field Medic during the Korean War.  He received numerous awards including the Republic of Korean Presidential Unit Citation. After two years of active service, he was released to the Army Reserve and received an honorable discharge December 1, 1960.  

James and Ollie B. May were united in marriage and to this union they had six (6) children; Larry, James, Michael, Janice, Angela and Kenneth.  After his discharge from the Army, he eventually was employed by the Chrysler Corporation where he worked 32-years and retired as a Chief Union Steward for the UAW in 1987. 

He earned an Associates of Arts degree from Wayne County Community College (WCCC) on June 26, 1974, and was a founding member of WCCC Alumni, and served as Director of Area 7. 

He was an entrepreneur and owner of a retail shop known as “Gentlemen Jim’s” located in Ypsilanti Michigan.

James W. enjoy spending time at the horse races, especially the Kentucky Derby.  He enjoyed baseball, golfing, traveling, and spending time sharing stories of his days serving in the military, and entrepreneurship. His greatest joy was sharing his life stories and spending time with his grandchildren.

James W. leaves to cherish his memories his children: Larry May (who preceded him in death) (Beverly), James A. (Adino), Michael G., Janice Sims (Raymond), Angela Slack (Eric), Kenneth (Cynthia), and Eric; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and friends.

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