James May

1941 - 2016

James "Jim" L. May, 74, of Sterling, was received in the arms of his heavenly father on Sunday, April 10, 2016. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, April 15th at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor James Nash officiating. James "Jim" was born on June 6, 1941 in Monroe, Indiana to Luther Vern May and Eunice Marie (Sheppard) May. Jim Attended Night Ridge Elementary School and SmithvilleHigh School. On April 27, 1959 Jim enlisted in the United States Army where he trained and worked as a mechanic. He served overseas in South Korea from 1959-1960, and Germany from 1962-1964. On July 31, 1964 Jim was honorably discharged from the army and went to work for Phil Winslow Volkswagen, in Colorado Springs from 1964-1970. He then worked for Bob Markley Volkswagen, in Greeley from 1970-1972. Finally, Jim would complete his career as an instructor at Northeastern Junior College from 1972 - 1996. Jim married the love of his life, Connie Whited, on June 2, 1973 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sterling, Colorado. The duo would enjoy 42 beautiful years with each other. One of the greatest joys of Jim's life was spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Over the course of Jim's life he was honored with many achievements and awards including: the Joel Mack Award from NJC, Teacher of the year from NJC, and honorary member status of the NJC alumni association. When Jim had some down time he enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, especially fishing with the kid and grandkids. Jim could also be found regularly working in the yard. And of course the family and friends were always welcome over to the house for a backyard BBQ. Jim is survived by his wife Connie May; Brothers Roger May of Bedford, IN, Cecil May of Colorado Springs, CO, Henry May of Springville, IN; Sister Mary Young of Springville, IN; Step sons Jamie (Beverly) Gentz of Padroni, CO, Timothy (Heather) Gentz; step daughter Judy (Ken Kortz) Lingenhag; grandchildren Chantel (Steve) Lotman, Casey (Jennifer) Chadwick, Tina Gentz, Trevor (Cassie) Gentz, Tara (Steve) Kinnamon and Brandon Lingenhag; great grandchildren Aurora Prinsloo, Raymond Prinsloo, Keith Prinsloo, Allie, Mary Jane, Dominick, Tristin Gentz, Sophia Gentz and a new bundle coming from heaven, Baby Girl Killian Kinnamon. Jim is preceded by his mother Eunice May; father Luther May; and brother David May. Memorials may be made in Jim's name to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the Northeast Colorado Cancer Resource Association care of Tennant Funeral Home, PO Box 1547, Sterling, CO 80751.