Obituary for Mr. Jimmie Lee Mays Sr. UTICA – Mr. Jimmie Lee Mays, Sr., age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 1, 2018 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. At the time of his passing, he was in the hearts of those he loved most. Born in Tennessee on March 3, 1949, Jimmie was the son of Bernice (McDonald) Mays and the late Bubba Parker.
He was raised and educated in Rome area. It was a date on Valentine’s Day that sparked a 37-year relationship with Sherry Lee Russell who he married in 1991. The values that they shared kept them in check with one another.
In his youth, Jimmie worked as a lifeguard in Rome where he taught young children how to swim. He was employed by Sturgess Manufacturing Company for over 30 years as an assembler. He was blessed with an outgoing personality, and he kept it real.
He was, by nature, a happy man, unless you crossed a line. Jimmie and Sherry sometimes traveled diverse, challenging roads, but they always made their way back to one another. As a father, when he saw any mistakes his children made, he kept them in line by teaching and reaching each of them in ways that addressed their weak points, strong points, and individual personalities.
He knew that each child was unique. As the years rolled by, he knew a different love, …and he was the happiest grandpa in the world! He was a big Teddy Bear and his grandbabies owned a piece of his heart.
He did not tolerate prejudices, and he wished for peace between his family and the community. He was a giver and he helped people expecting nothing in return. As a son, he respected, honored, and loved his mom.
Christmas was the best, especially when the kids were young and the excitement of opening gifts on Christmas morning was so magical. Although Sherry was the keeper of the kitchen, Jimmie made a mean deep-fried chicken! In his younger years, he was recognized as a high-rated boxer, was fond of fishing with his grandpa, and was a pool shark on the weekends.
Jimmie will be remembered for his protective nature as a good dad with strict rules, a legacy of love that now makes sense. Jimmie is survived by his wife, Sherry; his mother, Bernice; his children and their loved ones, Amy L. Russell, Bernice Mays, Joyce and Chris Lonero, Jimmie L. Mays Jr., and Georgia Lozado; grandchildren, Alicia, Mya, Damion, Tia, Nioami, Christian, George, James, the memory of his granddaughter, Nevaeh Russell who passed on December 26, 2003; Temperance, Christopher Jr. “CJ”, Linda, and Ethan; and his only great-granddaughter, Ireland. Jimmie was born to a family of 11 children, some of whom are with us, and many others who have gone before him.
He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He is now reunited with his faithful friends who preceded him: Harry, Brownie, Sylvester, and Pauline. The family extends their appreciation to the EMTs, the staff at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center/Cardiac ICU, and Nurse Manager Christine, for their care and compassion during a difficult time.
Visitation will be held Saturday, October 13th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jimmie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will be held on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Jimmie Lee Mays Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Forest Hill Cemetery 2201 Oneida Street Utica, NY, , Previous Events Visitation , OCT 13. 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South Street Utica, NY, US Celebration of Life , OCT 13.
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