James N. “Jimmy” May, age 54, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on January 7, 2025, with his youngest daughter Mikayla Randall right by his side playing his favorite music.  To honor Jim’s life, a private family service will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jim’s family.

Jim was born on September 21, 1970, in Dubuque, IA, the youngest son to Tom and Donna (Hillard) May.  He had a natural ability to be the life of the party and always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.  Jim worked at Spahn & Rose for a time, but those who knew him best always understood that his heart was continually striving to be surrounded by his friends and family.  When time allowed, he wasn’t afraid to try his luck at the casino.  Jim enjoyed getting tattoos as well and took great pride in each one, always willing to share and show off his collection.  He also had a lot of love and appreciation for his music and quite often his surroundings were filled with his favorites playing in the background. Jim had an affinity for fast cars too and enjoyed testing the limits whenever possible.  He also made time to do a little mall walking from time to time and if he met you during his walk, you could be sure he was working on his next good joke in an attempt to bring a smile to the face of anyone who ventured into his path. You could often see him walking with his twin sisters, “Patty” and “Pammy” who would eventually end up leaving him behind because he just couldn’t, or wouldn’t keep up.  It’s beyond heartbreaking to have to say farewell for now to Jimmy much too early in his life and we do hope and pray that he now resides in eternal peace completely free from his earthly health battles.  Thank you, Jimmy, for reminding us that life is not meant to be taken so seriously that we often forget to take a moment to enjoy it and may the memories you leave behind help to comfort our heavy hearts until we meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jim include,

his three children,
Brittany May, Dubuque, IA,
Jade Ernzen, Dubuque, IA,
and Mikayla Randall, Dubuque, IA;

Mikayla’s mother and friend,
Mandy Randall, Dubuque, IA;

his granddaughter,
Rebecca Ruff;

his siblings,
Kevin (Theresa) May, Dubuque, IA,
Bob (Jan) May, Dubuque, IA,
Pat May, Dubuque, IA,
Pam (Dean) May, Dubuque, IA,
Tom (Cheryl) May, St. Catherine, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors;

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Jamie R., for all of their professional and compassionate care.  A very special thank you to Marvin Ney, Jimmys lifelong friend from Paramount Ambulance, for bringing him back home to Dubuque.  We would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Jim’s brother, Kevin and his wife, Theresa, for opening up not only their hearts, but also their home during this difficult time. Also to his siblings Kevin, Bob, Tommy, Pat and Pam for all of their love, comfort and company in his final days.  And finally, a huge thanks to his lifelong friend and the mother of his youngest daughter, “the love of his life” as he would say Mandy Randall, who surrounded him with love, comfort, and kindness throughout his final days with us. May the Lord bless all of you who have helped Jimmy and truly helped to bring a little peace into his life when needed most.

Online condolences for Jim’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com