James O. Mays

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

James O’Neal Mays, was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to proud parents, O’Neal and Muriel Mays. At an early age, James dedicated his life to Christ under Elder Kinlow with the East End Church of God in Christ, in Pine Bluff. At 9 years old, he moved to Houston to live with his maternal uncle, Daniel Ussery. He attended Blackshear Elementary School, where he developed a love of baseball. James went on to attend and graduated from Jack Yates High School, class of 1962. While at Yates, he met his high school sweetheart, Martha A. Lundy. After graduating high school, he briefly attended Texas Southern University with a concentration in mathematics.

In 1963, James married the love of his life, Martha Lundy. From this union they were blessed with two sons: Steven and Jimmy.

James started his career at Sheffield/Armco Steel. While at Armco Steel, he became a certified Master Welder. James dedicated 17 years of service before Armco Steel closed their doors. James took his welding expertise to HL&P (Houston Light and Power) for another 17 years before retiring for the second time in 2004. During this time, James was building and establishing Mays AC and Heating. He took night classes at San Jacinto Junior College and earned an Associate Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning. James also earned a Class A status as a licensed HVAC contractor.

James took pride in serving his customers for over 35 years until his health declined. He lived by his mantra, “Honesty is my best product.” In his spare time, he took pleasure in being a little league baseball and football coach for the teams Steven and Jimmy played on. James was an avid traveler. He loved to take family vacations every summer.

If you knew James, you knew he had a passion for playing Bridge. After retirement, if he wasn’t working on ACs, he was playing Bridge. He played Bridge locally and traveled far and wide to play in national tournaments. James earned the Gold Diamond level as a bridge player. Before his health declined, he was a faithful Sunday school attendee at Good Hope M.B.C.

James loved his family dearly, but when he became Paw Paw, the love evolved into something euphoric. He took pride in shopping and surprising his grandchildren. Toys-R-Us was not just a fantasy place for the grandchildren, it was a reality. Paw Paw brought Toys-R-Us to them every Christmas.

James never met a stranger. He had a way of talking to people that would pique their interest. He was a stoic man with an interesting sense of humor. James was always generous and kind to others. James was a pocket T, flannel shirt, cap wearing, listening to country music, sweets connoisseur, superb AC man, bridge playing, truck driving, husband, father, Paw Paw, brother, uncle, friend, and Christ follower.

Sadly, James passed away peacefully on August 17, 2023. James is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Martha Lundy Mays. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and dedicated son, Steven O’Neal Mays (Tiffany); four grandchildren: Desiree Smith, Steven Andrew Mays, Kalim O’Neal Mays, and Lemmie Anees Mays; two great-grandchildren: Ehryn Paige Latin and Brayden Devon Lacy; three siblings: Lawrence Mays (Joanne), Larry Mays (Brenda), and Rufus Mays; cousin, Sue Baloney; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends who loved him dearly

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