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James L. May, 75

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — James L. May, 75, of North Adams, a former longtime resident of Florida Mountain and a professor emeritus of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, died peacefully at home on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, after a period of declining health. Born on his parents' farm in Rupert, Idaho, in 1939, at the end of the Great Depression, he was the oldest of LeRoy and Dale May's seven children. He grew up in Rupert and attended Minnedoka High School, graduating in 1957. He received his degree in psychology from Idaho State University in Pocatello and went on to earn both his master's degree and a doctorate of psychology in 1973 from Kansas State University in Manhattan. He was drafted into the Army after high school and served with the Corps of Engineers. He was honorably discharged. Professor May was appointed as an associate professor of psychology at what was then North Adams State College in 1974. He was a popular professor in the psychology department, and was chairman before his retirement in 2007. He enjoyed teaching the history of psychology and statistics as well as methodology and research courses. He had first worked as a social worker in Burley, Idaho, before attending graduate school. He enjoyed visiting his extended family, frequently taking summertime road trips to Idaho and Oregon. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and was a voracious reader as well as the reigning household "Jeopardy" champion and the perpetual "Scrabble" champion. He was known for his sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor. He would often forward jokes or cartoons he found funny over email, and kept up an admirable correspondence with friends and family far and wide. He and his wife, Sharon May, married in 1968. They met in Burley. Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Nathan May and his wife, Son Hui Clark, of Erving; a daughter, Erica May and her husband, Kelson Mulcahy, of Nashville, Tenn.; three sisters, Joyce Stringham of Cottonwood, Idaho, Margery Barendregt of Rupert and Donna Henderson of West Jordan, Utah; two brothers, Brent May of Nyssa, Ore., and Brian May of Irwin, Idaho; four granddaughters, Isabel, Sydney, Bryanna and Lillian May, all of Erving; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues who will miss his frequent presence in their inbox. His sister Beverly May predeceased him. FUNERAL NOTICE — A memorial service for professor May will be held at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in Murdock Hall on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship is being established in his name at MCLA. Please bring your memories. Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals is in charge of arrangements.
Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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Dear Sharron and Family, we are so sorry. Just read it in the I Berkshries. Never heard a word, we are shocked, Jim was such a nice fella. We remember well the evening we all got together up here on the Mountain, knew he had been in failing health, but though he was doing better. So Sorry, God Bless you and the Kids. So very Sorry. Patrick and Connie.
from: Patrick & Connie Gray on: 02-28-2015

Sharon and Family,

Sending sincere sympathy and hoping that as time goes on good memories will be a support to you and fill your hearts.
from: Carl & Marilyn Faulkneron: 01-24-2015

Sending love and prayers to all of you.. My sincere condolences.
from: Brendaon: 01-23-2015

Dr. May, I remember you fondly. This news saddens me, but I knew your health had seen better days. I remember all the classes I took with you at N.A.S.C. Experimental Psychology, Psychology and Statistics, Social Psychology, and Organizational Psychology. I also remember outings, playing Jarts at your house on Moores Road, at the top of the world. You attended my mom's "retirement" party. You were, above all, a good man. Farewell, and now I'm going to cry.
from: Gregory Lewison: 01-23-2015

Dr. May was a true gift to those of us who were honored to be his students. Jim was my mentor, my teacher and my beloved friend. His impact was transformational in my life. My love of psychology, being a professional educator and researcher, and lessons of life have Jim May's influence unalterably imprinted on me as a person.

MANY long hours, nights and weekends, spent on the third floor of Murdock Hall with Dr. May, Dr Green and Dr. Paolillo were the most seminal learning and personal growth experiences of my life. Rarely a day goes by that I don't reflect on how my current life and work is still being impacted by those seemingly innocuous but profoundly impactful interactions and impromptu conversations.

Dr. May was a beloved and dedicated educator who gave much of himself, with love and patience, to his students. He has left a legacy in those of us who want to carry on his work and make him proud.

My love and prayers go out to Sharon and his family.
from: Rick Mayburyon: 01-21-2015

Sharon and family,
So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We'll always remember him fondly. Keeping you close in thought.
from: Kim & Tom Morandion: 01-20-2015

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