John MAY

July 15, 1939 - April 2, 2025

John Phillip May of Chewelah, Washington, passed away on April 2, 2025. John was born in Republic, Washington, on July 15, 1939, to Dr. Karl J. May and Adeline May (Mires). The family moved to Chewelah in 1943, where John attended St. Mary's grade school through eighth grade. He attended high school at Gonzaga Prep, from which he graduated in 1957. Following his high school graduation, he attended Gonzaga University for one year. He then worked in road construction for two years, which was followed by three years of employment with the Milwaukee Railroad as a telegraph operator. During this time, he also attended Eastern Washington State College, now EWU. In Spring of 1963, he was drafted into the Army. Following basic training, he married his long-time girlfriend, Joan Kolbeck. Their son, Ron, of whom he was forever proud and grateful, was born a year later. When he was discharged from the military in the Spring of 1965, he went back to school and earned his degree.

In the Fall of 1966, John began his teaching career for the Chewelah School District, where he taught for 29 years. His primary teaching duties were Psychology and Sociology, Earth Science, and Drivers Education. In his first five years he was the head wrestling coach, assistant football coach and assistant track coach. In 1977, he started the high school's golf program and coached both boys and girls in this sport until his retirement from teaching in the Spring of 1996. After he retired as a teacher, he was hired by the district as a bus driver. John drove bus until he had a heart attack on October 13, 2017. His career with the Chewelah School District came to an end after 50 years, four months and five days on January 6, 2018.

John was on the Chewelah City Council for 18 years and also on the board of directors for the Chewelah Golf and Country Club for 18 years. He was the first person to serve as president of the golf course board for more than one term. John was instrumental in having the golf course built at its present location and was extremely influential in convincing the golf course board to buy the property from the DNR, rather than continuing to lease it.

John loved to fish, both in summer and winter. Most winter fishing was done at Williams Lake, which was a drive of about 35 miles for him. Sometime around 1987, he printed and circulated several petitions to request that Waitts Lake be opened for winter fishing. John then presented those petitions to the Game Department. After several meetings with no objections, the Game Department amended Waitts Lake's fishing seasons to include both summer and winter.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Karl and Adeline May; his older brother, Dr. Karl May Jr.; younger brother, Robert May; older sisters, Ruth (Ernie) Smith, and Greta Browne; his granddaughter, Nehalah May; and the love of his life, Joan May. John is survived by his son, Ron (Tess) May; his bonus grandchildren, Jochelle, Josethe and Gene Schatz; and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind several special close friends who, among others, love him and will miss him dearly.

John had asked that, rather than flowers, which don't last long, donations be made to the scholarship fund at Jenkins High School in Chewelah. Being a generous man, he felt that such a donation could have a long-lasting benefit for the recipient. A celebration of life for John is anticipated to be held in late June. The exact place, date and time of that celebration will be shared once determined.