James May

James McHatton May, 90, died peacefully at home on Grand Traverse Bay in Eastport, Michigan, just before dawn, on July 28, 2016, surrounded by his adoring family.

Born in Detroit on May 13, 1926, to Robert O. and Gertrude May, Jim attended Detroit University School (now University Liggett) on a full scholarship. Upon graduation, he served in the Merchant Marines, on a run that took him to Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After VJ Day, he returned to civilian life and enrolled at University of Michigan in November 1945, where he was a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, graduating in 1949. Jim worked in Chicago for a year before being drafted into the Army in 1950, to serve in the Korean War, serving active duty as 1st Lieutenant in the occupying forces in Neu Ulm, Germany.

Jim returned to Detroit in 1951 and was married to Phyllis Chapel on November 27, 1953, at the First Presbyterian Church, in Birmingham, MI. He was a successful business owner of Metals Finishing Corporation for 32 years and retired in 1989, afterwards dividing his time between Eastport, MI, Keowee Key in Salem, SC, and Vail, CO. Jim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elk Rapids, MI, and Seneca Presbyterian Church, in SC.

Predeceased by brother Robert , Jr., Jim is survived by his beloved and loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis, his daughters Nancy (Richard), Cynthia and Barbara, sister Doris, brother Myron, grandchildren Sarah, Rebekah (David), Joanne (Adam), David and Theo, faithful dog Spot, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Jim was an avid skier and golfer, loved tennis and squash and enjoyed many creative pursuits.

He was a devoted husband and a caring and affectionate father and grandfather.

He will be remembered as a steadfast and loyal friend, quick to laughter, with a positive outlook, who could always be depended on for good advice and an encouraging word.

And as long as he lived, there was always beer in the refrigerator.

A private lakeside service with military honor guard is being held for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Jim's name to Arts in the Armed Forces/AITAF, online at www.aitaf.org, or to: AITAF, P.O. Box 20687, Brooklyn, NY 11202.

Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.