James Lawrence May

James Lawrence “Jim” May of Papillion, Nebraska, passed away on Thursday, July 17th at the age of 85. He was born on May 7, 1940, in Laramie, Wyoming where he grew up. He lived and worked on the ranch of his parents, Jim and Toots May.

Jim graduated from University of Wyoming Prep School, Laramie, in 1958. He enlisted in the Navy in 1959 and was a telegraphic typewriter operator – a “radio man.” He was discharged in 1961, entered Naval reserves, and completed his service in 1963.

Jim briefly attended the University of Wyoming and began working for Union Pacific Railroad in the telegraph office. He married Penny Goodson; to this union a son Joel and daughter Jamie were born. They later divorced.

Jim rekindled a relationship with Barbara Smith, a childhood sweetheart, and they married June 5th, 1969. Their son, Michael James was born in February of 1972, and daughter Elizabeth Ann was born in November, 1977. Jim and Barbara made homes in Omaha, St. Louis, and in 1988, moved to and built a house in Papillion, Jim’s final home.

He had an amazing zest for life. Jim worked 32 years for Union Pacific (the second time around). He worked in Information Technologies and advanced to Director of Communications.

While he lived in St. Louis, he was a Girl Scout leader for the biggest Girl Scout troop in the city. In Papillion, he was active in the Papillion Lions Club and with Nebraska Lions at the city, state, and regional levels, including Council Chair and District Governor. He chaired the Papillion Lions Spaghetti Dinner, enjoyed Hops for Harmony, worked with the Lions low-vision clinic, and sold countless lugs of pears and peaches.

He helped initiate D.A.R.E, PANDA, and Red Ribbon Week in the Papillion School system.

He was also active in his faith communities, as a church moderator, Sunday School teacher, lay preacher, church choir member, and most recently was a member at Faith Presbyterian Church, La Vista.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Toots May; his grandparents; plus numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many beloved pets.

He is survived by Barbara, his wife of 56 years; his children Joel (Becki) May, Manhattan Beach CA; Jamie (Jim) Adams, Colorado Springs, CO; Michael (Kristy) May, Kingsley, IA; Elizabeth Chadek, Omaha, NE; Susie Heldt, Omaha, NE; grandchildren Emma and Ava May; Paige (Jacob) Dahlke; Luke Adams and Alyssa Adams; Caden Chadek and special friend Kaitlyn Palik; Alexis Chadek; first great-grandchild, Oliver Dahlke; a brother, Marshall, Laramie WY; nephew Kevin; and cousins. And, of course, Jaxson the Dog.

Jim was a hard worker, and often commented, “Anything worth doing, is worth doing right.” He was appreciated for his servant-leadership gifts. He was also a marvelous dancer, and enjoyed working puzzles and crosswords. Even when Jim had bad days, he enjoyed music, happily tapping his feet and fingers as he sang verses of favorite Johnny Cash and classical country western songs. He loved Wyoming, the Wyoming Cowboys, and he was the world’s best St. Louis Cardinals fan.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Midlands Hospital VA Community Living Center (CLC) for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Jim in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 23rd at Kahler-Dolce Mortuary, Papillion. Jim’s funeral service will be at Faith Presbyterian Church, La Vista, Nebraska on Thursday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will begin one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow at Omaha National Cemetery, promptly at 12:30 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Papillion Nebraska Lions Club, or to Faith Presbyterian Church, La Vista, Nebraska in memory of Jim.