James Claude Mays, 94, of Springfield passed away on January 8, 2014. He was born on August 1, 1919, in Marshall, AR, the youngest of five children. In 1937, Jim married his first wife, Altra, the mother of his three daughters. Jim graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1941 with a degree in agriculture. After graduation, he served our country in the United States Air Force during WWII. The Mays family relocated to Springfield, MO, in 1957 so Jim could pursue his business career. For the next 30 years, Jim was a successful self-employed business owner in both Springfield and Kimberling City. After his retirement, he enjoyed boating, gardening and visiting with his many friends at Table Rock Lake. Nine years ago, Jim moved back to Springfield to reside at the Montclair, his new home. A special thanks to our friends at the Montclair, where Jim found a second family, and the staff at Ravenwood, where Jim spent his final days in the care of a wonderful nursing staff. Jim is preceded in death by his first wife, Altra Mays, second wife, Charlotte Mays, three brothers, and one sister. He is survived by his three daughters, Judy Mabe, Marti (Bill) Helfrecht and Jill (Dan) Oswalt; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren, all of Springfield. Jim's greatest joys in life were his family, gardening, playing baseball, and avidly rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and Arkansas Razorbacks. Jim was a kind, generous, loving man and inspirational friend, father, and grandpa (PaPa). His family treasured his blessings at family gatherings and will miss his bright smile and sunny disposition; he never met a stranger and whenever asked, Jim always said, "I've had a good day." Funeral services will be held Monday, January 13, 2014 at 2 p.m. in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with visitation to follow. Burial in Rivermonte Memorial Gardens will follow services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lost and Found, 1006 N. Cedarbrook, Springfield, MO 65802.