James May

Public viewing for King James "Pee Wee" May will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at PeoplesFuneral Home, 886 North Farish Street, Jackson, Mississippi.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Peoples Funeral Home Chapel, 886 North Farish Street, Jackson, Mississippi. His Final Resting Place will be at OnishaBurks Memorial Garden Cemetery, 418 Pear Street, Canton, Mississippi.
During the early morning on February 17, 2025, King James "Pee Wee" May approach the window of life and rendered his last installment...his debt to the world was paid in full. Knowing him as we did, it's easy to visualize him serenely requesting, "Ticket please". Alas, he is done with the troubles of this world. If one but closes their eyes, they should almost see it. There! Can't you see the smile, the constant tease, the laughter, and his ability to find the right words to say in the bleakest of circumstances? What a flight in homecoming that must have been! Praise God and be assured that Pee Wee is at rest!
James Charles May (so affectionately known as" Pee- Wee") was born on October 31, 1935, to the late Wallace May Sr. and Florida Bell Norman May in Canton, MS. He was the 13th of 13 children. He accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age at South Liberty M. B. Church in Canton, MS and later joined the greater Mount Sinai MB Church under the pastorage of the late Reverend A. L. Barnes. James attended Canton public school. Like many others of that time, he left school to work and take care of his family.
After James became of age, he ventured out on his own. During his ventures, he met and married Mildred May.
James was given the name "The Runt" by Leo the Lion 1949 because he had a burning desire to become an entrepreneur. In 1952, "The Runt" caught a ride to Farish St. in Jackson, MS, and the rest is" "His story". After moving to Jackson, James definitely fulfilled his desire and in 1960 he opened "The House of Blue Lights". Several other businesses followed.
James's was very intelligent in business and his philanthropy was unmatched. He was a beacon of strength. He had unwavering faith in facing life's challenges. The number of people he helped to start a business or career and/or save a business, or career is too many to count. He was slow to speak and would always say "I talk slow so I won't have to say it no mo'"
Mr. James Charles May was preceded in death by his father, Wallace May Sr.; mother, Florida Bell Norman May; all his siblings: J. C., Maude, Mildred, Margaret, Genara, William, Mamie, Wallace Jr., Inez, Melvin and Bertha, his wife, Mildred May; daughter, Thomasene; son, Percy J, Ronald, Larry Douglas who was his nephew, but he loved him like a son and his best friend, Charles "Macine" Jones.
James leaves many loved ones to cherish his memories. The love of his life, Minnie Harper; his daughters: Virgie (Miles) Coleman, Anitra, Shamonica, Rashawna, Jamia, Florida, Patrica, and Kimberly; his sons: Robert and Malcolm; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends will delight in Pee Wee's memory. Gone from our presence but not from our hearts.