James Allen May Sr.

1936 - 2017

May, James Allen Sr.
James Allen May, Sr., age 80, returned to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, February 28, 2017, surrounded by his family in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on August 5, 1936, in Phoenix, Arizona, to James Hyrum May and Havana Sorensen May, Jim graduated from Phoenix College and from Brigham Young University in Business Management. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Southern States. On November 22, 1963, he married Carol Ann Adams, in the Mesa Temple, and together they had six children: David, James Allen Jr., Stephen, Michael, Shannon, and Erin. Jim served his Heavenly Father in numerous capacities, including Bishop, High Councilman, Seminary Teacher, and as a dedicated scholar of the Lord's word. Jim's pursuits in life focused on service and improving the quality of life for others, from working to expand renal dialysis units in hospitals around the world to bringing medicinal herbs and sweeteners from South America to the United States, and now worldwide. He is known globally as the "Father of Stevia." He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; sons Stephen and Michael (Christine); daughters Shannon (Jay) and Erin; seven grandchildren; and his sister Ramona Sterling. Jim will be remembered as a scholar and business leader, a stalwart member of his community and faith, and a dedicated husband and father. A celebration of his life and legacy will be held on Saturday, March 4 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation at 9:00 a.m. at the LDS Church on 2835 E. Des Moines St., Mesa, AZ 85213, with burial afterwards at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, Phoenix, Arizona. Following this, his family and friends will have a luncheon together at the LDS Church to remember Jim's life.