James Clarence “Jim” Mai, 84, of Lenora, Kansas, died January 1, 2022, at his farm, doing what he liked to do best.
Jim was born April 27, 1937 at the family farm near Lenora. He was
the son of Bernard and Beverly (Barbo) Mai. He graduated from Lenora
High School in 1955. At the age of 14, Jim had his first job. He was
paid a dollar for every three hours of work.
Jim loved to dance. It was at a community dance that he met the
love of his life, Maxine Schoen. Jim and Maxine were married in the
spring of May 26, 1964. The couple had two children: Nita and Jared. The
exchange student from Bosnia, Julena Tuomey, was his third child and
kept in touch.
Throughout his life, Jim farmed, raised cattle, pigs and various
other animals. As if he wasn’t busy enough, he engaged in custom
harvesting.
He enjoyed visiting with neighbors, and playing cards when time
allowed. His favorite game was Euchre. He also enjoyed hunting coyotes,
and never let a rattlesnake get too far away. Listening to Boogie Woogie
music and funny old comedies were his forms of pure entertainment.
Although Jim was having health problems due to arthritis, and its
effects; he never gave up what he loved, he just did it a little slower.
Preceding him in death were his parents. Leaving to mourn his
passing are his wife Maxine, of the home; his daughter, Nita Mai of
Raytown, Missouri; his son, Jared Mai and Tara Johnson of Lenora; his
brother, Ron Mai of California; sisters: Mona Chisam, of Oregon, and
Christie VanCamp of Carbondale; their exchange student, Jelena Tuomey.
Memorials to Kansas Wildfire Relief or Lenora United Parish, Lenora, Kansas.
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