Obituary of James M. May

James M. May, Jr. (Jim) passed away on August 2, 2016 following a brief illness. He was 88 years old and was born in Ashdown, Arkansas to James M. and Velma May. His family soon moved to Washington, Arkansas where he grew up. Jim was brought up with small-town values and had a great childhood. Jim was an Eagle Scout and after high school earned a degree in Mathematics at Arkansas College. He proudly served in the Air Force from 1951-1954 achieving the rank of Staff Sargeant. Jim was part of a special team that armed weapons for Strategic Air Command bombers stationed in Shreveport, LA. There he met is wife to be, June Ann Gissler who was in nursing school. They were married in March 1954 and moved to Albuquerque in the same year, and recently celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. He completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering and was employed by Sandia Labs until his retirement. Jim worked on many interesting projects from weapon design to atmospheric measurements to nuclear safeguards. He was an avid pilot and we all remember the great trips we made all around the U.S. in his Beechcraft Bonanza. Jim flew the Bonanza until he was 82. The last couple of years were difficult due to his declining health, but he still enjoyed talking with folks and telling them stories about growing up and raising a family. He will be greatly missed. Jim is survived by his wife, June Ann May of Albuquerque, his sister, Ann Justus of Phoenix, AZ, his children, Alan May and his wife Dawn Sleeper of Tijeras, NM; Jay May and his wife Patty of Midland, TX; and Paula Gatewood and her husband Richard of Artesia, NM; and his niece, Lynne Edleson and husband Rob of Wimberly,TX. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, Gillian, Christoper, Alexander, Sydnee, Forrest and Wright. He loved hearing about their activities and proudly watched them grow up into fine young adults. We wish to thank all the wonderful caregivers and that have helped out over the last few years from Visiting Angels, North Ridge Care center and Gentiva Hospice. A visitation and celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Riverside Funeral Home located at 225 San Mateo Blvd NE in Albuquerque. Please make any contributions to the charity of your choice.