James H. Mays

James H. Mays, known to many simply as Jim, died on February 12, 2025, at the age of 67. He died peacefully in his sleep at home in Vancleave, MS after a valiantly fought battle with lung cancer.

Jim was born on June 21, 1957, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was the only son and baby boy of George Harold Mays and Barbara Lee King Mays. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country as Radar Technician from 1978 until 2000. He was stationed all over the United States as well as Honduras, United Kingdom, Korea and Germany. He retired as a Master Sergeant in February of 2000. Upon retirement, he worked for several private companies, contracting with Northrop Grumman Electronic System where he continued to make a strong impact. He went back to school and received his Bachelor of Science in Technical Management in 2014 and graduated Summa Cum Laude. He was a Member of Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society NU Kappa. Jim was a lifetime member of the American Legion and a member of Mosaic Church in Ocean Springs since 2008.

He loved Sports, especially the New Orleans Saints, St. Louis Cardinals, Tennessee Volunteers and NASCAR and followed all games and races once the seasons started. He loved to BBQ and smoke meat and considered himself an avid Pit Master. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with family and friends and was a follower of Christ all his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Harold Mays and Barbara Lee Mays along with grandparents on both sides of the family.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Irene LaVelle Mays; daughter, Sharon (Donovon) Sheldon of Youngstown, Ohio; daughter, Kathy (Kyle) McCullough of Saucier, Mississippi; grandsons, Tyler, Mingan, Presley, and Cameron; sisters, Judy (Clint) Riggan of Antioch, Tennessee; Jan (Jim) Wells of Vonore, Tennessee; and his favorite dog, Cloe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Mosaic Church, 2016 Bienville Boulevard, Ocean Springs, Mississippi 39564 with visitation and reception to follow. The Inurnment will be held at 2:30 pm on June 20, 2025 at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family James Mays.