James Edward Mays Jr., 74, went to be with his heavenly father on April 8, 2022, after an unexpected death.

He was born in Humboldt, TN on October 8, 1947, to James Mays Sr. and Dr. Ruth Dennis PhD. He lived in Humboldt and St. Louis, MS until 1959 when his mother was accepted into Michigan State University for her master's degree and PhD, and the family moved to East Lansing, MI.

In 1967, he graduated from J.W. Sexton High School, in Lansing MI, where he played football, wrestled, and ran track and field. He then attended Olivet College and Lansing Community College. In 1968, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his time in the service, he was a jet engine mechanic and Crew Chief. James was stationed in Thailand. James was honorably discharged in 1972. In 1974, James became a firefighter for the city of East Lansing. During his career he was an EMT and Driver engineer. He retired in 1998. In retirement, he enjoyed building and working on computers or anything electronic. He also enjoyed watching movies and had a collection of hundreds of films.

On August 27, 1971, he married Margaret Bozung. James and Margaret enjoyed dancing and spending time with their family and friends. They were married 50 years.

James had five children: Michael Sr. (Sharon), Deanna (Stephan), Rachel (Reade), Jennifer (Ken) and Joshua (Heather). He had nine grandchildren: Stephen, Sean, Aaron, Kenneth, Lanea, Darrion, Michael Jr., Destiny, James, and Emery. He also had five great grandchildren: A'laya, Genesis, A'nyah, Kalianna and Azariah. James also had a special niece, Jenna (TJ), that spent a great deal of time with the family.

James was special to many people and was known to be a "second father" to many of his children's friends. He was a lover of music and taught his children not to snub their noses at anything. He enjoyed fishing and passed that down to his children and grandchildren. He was a jokester and loved to play a prank or two. His family meant everything to him, and he made sure he had a special relationship with each and everyone.

He is survived by: his devoted wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was also survived by his "sister-cousin," Elaine Moore; siblings, Chris (Theodora) May and Winona (Anthony) McGowan; sister-in-law, Betty Holoway; and several relatives and friends, too numerous to mention. He is preceded in death by: his mother, Ruth; his son, Michael Sr.; his sister-in-law, Mary Bozung; his grandson, Stephen; and many friends and relatives.

Arrangements for Mr. Mays are as follows: