James J.C. May, Jr.

James “J.C.” Claude May, Jr., 68, of Fuquay-Varina, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family and loved ones, on January 10, 2023. J.C. was born in Durham, NC, to James Claude May, Sr., and Laura Albertine May.

He left behind his loving wife of 44 years, Dora Jean May; daughter, Valley May Dezern (Dustin); two sons, Jesse James May (Brittany) and Michael Jarrett May (Nichole); a brother, Mark May (Betsy); and his beloved seven grandchildren, Claudia “Remi” Sloan Thompson, Michael Gideon May, Colton William May, Asher Lachlan Dezern, Emerson Jude May, Ryder James May, Logan Lehn May; a niece, Shalon Barbour Edwards (Richard); grand-nephew, Richard Edwards; III and grand-niece, Camille Edwards; and too many other loved ones and dear friends to name.

J.C. was a service in the US Army and worked at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, for the NC Department of Transportation, and at NC State University where he obtained numerous achievement awards, made many lifelong friends and was loved by many of the staff and faculty until his retirement in 2014. It was during his career at NC State that J.C. met his close friend and fellow rider, Scott Curtner.

J.C. had many talents, and interests. He was an avid Harley rider, enduring to resume riding his motorcycle even after losing a leg to an accident in 2010. He enjoyed the freedom and adrenaline of being on his bike. He also enjoyed fishing. Oceans, lakes, ponds, streams, no matter the location, if there were fish, he would drop his line. J.C. loved to camp with his family. He and Dora began the tradition of an annual family camping trip to the mountains of NC, where many memories were made. His children continued the tradition even after J.C. became too ill to join them. J.C. loved music. He played by ear and astounded many with his ability to pick up or sit down at an instrument, tinker around for a few minutes, and begin playing a song. He played in bands in his younger years and was a huge fan of Pink Floyd. Lastly, J.C. enjoyed North Carolina BBQ, continuing the style of “whole hog” cooking that he learned from his father-in-law and passing the technique down to his two sons. He shared this gift with his church, friends, family and the faculty and staff at NC State University by hosting many a pig-picking that was enjoyed by all.

J.C. became a Christian in November of 1980 and later attended Jubilee Fellowship in Fuquay-Varina, pastored by Michael A. Cotton. This is where J.C. met his good friend, Russ MacGregor, as well as many others. J.C. most recently attended Crosswalk Church of Angier.

J.C. was a charismatic man and made friends wherever he went. He remains close to men that he was friends with as a child, such as Ricky Turner, and those that he served with, such as Jim Perrett and Pat McGuire. He leaves behind a great legacy and an empty space that will never be filled and he will be deeply missed.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice of Garner, specifically Sally Leviner and Samantha Enoch, for their compassion, encouragement, fellowship and care. You are truly angels on earth.

A service to celebrate the life of J.C. will be held January 21, 2023, 11:00 am, at Manna Church (Capital Area) at 7904 US HWY 55, Willow Springs NC. Services are provided by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Angier.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Amedisys Hospice Care 220 New Fidelity Ct, Garner, NC 27529 or the Hospice Care location of your choice.