JOHN MAY obituary

John James May, 82, was born Aug. 17, 1927, at Inverness, Mont., to George and Anna (Peterson) May. John attended country schools near the farm, then graduated from Inverness High School in 1945. That fall John enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War II and became a Seaman 1st Class. As the war wound down, he was awarded his honorable discharge. John attended Northern Montana College in Havre for a while, then began working as a mechanic. When the Korean Conflict broke out in 1951, John re-enlisted into the military, this time in the U. S. Army. While serving in combat in Korea, John was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. He attained the rank of sergeant and received his second honorable discharge in 1953. John returned to Montana and began farming at Inverness. He also went into the construction business. He married Gay M. Johnson on Dec. 20, 1957, in Great Falls, and they lived in Rudyard. John worked in construction and homebuilding throughout the Hi-Line. He also operated a small farm north of Inverness. In 1980 the May's moved to Inverness. John retired in 1995 but continued to help his son in construction. He had open-heart surgery in 2009 and was recently diagnosed with cancer. John died at the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison on April 21. He was 82 years old. John was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and the Elks Lodge in Havre. He was proud of his military service and remained a patriot throughout his life. John loved the American flag and always flew it with pride at his home. John enjoyed woodworking and cabinetry. He was also an avid reader and a lifelong fan of ice-fishing and hunting. John was preceded in death by his parents; his two sisters, Dorothy Lineweaver and baby Katherine; and his brother, Uriel May. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gay May of Inverness; one daughter, Katherine (Shawn) Albright of Havre; one son, John A. May of Rudyard; six grandchildren, Jason, Josh, Kelly, Glenn, Dallas and Aubri; three great-grandchildren, Brendan, Jessica and Adrianna; and many nephews and nieces. It was John's wish to be cremated, and his ashes be interred with his parents. A graveside service will be 3 p.m. Friday, May 7, at the Highland Cemetery in Havre. Cremation and arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. Undesignated memorials will be given to the Havre V.F.W. Post.