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, Jelena 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. Jim was an avid reader, especially western novels, completing one in a couple of evenings.

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.

Memorial Service was held Saturday, January 8, 2022, at the Lenora United Parish, Lenora, Kansas. Memorials to Kansas Wildfire Relief in care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, Hill City, Kansas or Lenora United Parish, Lenora, Kansas. Your kind gestures of sympathy and support have truly been greatly appreciated during our time of the loss of Jim. With heartfelt thanks – the Jim Mai Family