James D. “Donald” Mays, 92, of Dubuque died Friday, June 21, 2024. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 pm Wednesday, June 26 at the Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home with a service at 4 pm presented by Dubuque Moose Lodge 355. Military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Dubuque Post 6 immediately following the service. A live stream of the service can be viewed at www.egelhofsiegertcasper.com.

Don was born August 11, 1931, in Russellville, Ohio, son of Virgil and Eva (Blair) Mays.

He graduated from Cherry Fork High School.

He entered the US Navy on March 5, 1951.  On December 21, 1951, he married Phyllis Peterson in Hazel Crest, IL.  The day after their wedding, he shipped out to New London, CT, where he and Phyllis lived during his time spent in the Navy.

Upon leaving the Navy, they moved back to Hazel Crest, then to Dubuque.  He drove a truck for his father, driving for the Dubuque Packing Company, then went to work as a driver for H & W Motor Express.  After retiring from H & W, he and Phyllis opened Mays Grill Shop in the early 1980’s, which they operated until the early 2000’s.  He then worked for Mystic Casino and dog track from 2005 until 2015.

Don was devoted to, and loved, his family. He was an active member of the Dubuque Moose Lodge 355.  He also helped with the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps, where his sons marched.

He loved racing, riding his Harley and talking trucks. He was a true “Brother of the Road.”

James is survived by his wife, Phyllis Mays of Dubuque, three sons, Kevin M. Mays of Denver, CO., James D. (Shannon) Mays of Denver, CO., and Elliott L. Mays of Marathon, WI., five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

He is also survived by four siblings, Dennis (JoAnne) Mays, Tim (Annette) Mays, Donna (Jerry) Neal and Karla (Merideth) Keller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Mays and Eva Mae Davis, a brother, Virgil “Buddy” Mays in 1950, and a great grandson, Terran Gallegos.