James Mays Sr.

James Allen Mays, Sr., went to be with his Lord and Creator on Friday, Sept.18 after a second bout with myeloma cancer and complications from pneumonia.

He loved exploring God's creation as he walked the mountains, lakes and hiking trails in Lincoln County. "I lift my eyes up unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth."--Psalm 121.

Jim was born April 9, 1944 in Fresno, California to James Horace Mays and Betty Jean Ragsdale Mays. He worked as a Route Salesman for 33 years with Mother's Cookies and Kraft/Nabisco companies in Texas.
He loved sports, and the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers were his favorite ball clubs. Growing up he loved baseball and once tried out for the San Francisco Giants going out for the position of center fielder.
He served in the United States Air Force for four years. His primary duty station was in New York state where he worked in base housing maintenance.

On November 17, 1990 he married Barbara Gertrude Deck in a ceremony in Arlington, TX. During their time together they enjoyed bicycling, hiking and rving throughout the U.S. Their favorite place to be was Ruidoso , N.M. and earlier this year they made a move that they jokingly referred to as going from Team Texas to Team New Mexico.

Jim became a member of the Lutheran church, Missouri synod shortly after marrying Barbara and they became members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran church in Ruidoso a year and a half ago.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara who not only lost a wonderful, caring husband, but also her best friend and travelling companion. The heart remembers best what it loved most and she will always cherish the years God let her share with him.
Jim had three children, a son James A Mays, Jr., and two daughters Kelly Mays and Lisa Runnels plus five grandchildren. He is also mourned by his brother Richard Mays and two sisters Linda Briggs and Nancy Kelley.

He had a second family of friends at the Circle B RV park who made his time in Ruidoso special.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all.

His service will be Thursday, October 1, at 1:30 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church with burial at Ft. Stanton Cemetery.

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