James (Jim) Hobart May, 86, of Gettysburg, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at Paramount Senior Living Memory Care unit in Fayetteville, PA. Born October 6, 1938, in Newton Falls, Ohio, he was the only son of the late Ralph Hobart and Evelyn Marie May of Biglerville, PA.
Jim graduated from Biglerville High School in 1957 and married the late Barbara Rice May on July 6, 1958. Barb and Jim shared 66 wonderful years of marriage, with Barb passing just three short months ago. Jim played football and ran track at Biglerville High School, where he still holds the record for the 100 yd. dash at 10.2 seconds. Jim served his country in the Pennsylvania National Guard Reserves. Among his duties there, he was the driver for the Base Commander.
Jim was a handyman and farm worker on his brother-in-law’s fruit farm for several years following high school. In the early 1970’s he worked as a carpenter, building many houses in the local area. In the mid-1970’s he was hired as a Laboratory Technician at the Penn State Fruit Research Lab in Biglerville, PA. His career with Penn State spanned over 25 years, where he loved tending the orchards and performing the experimental projects. Jim enjoyed everything Penn State, mowing the lawn and growing vegetables in his large garden in the summer. He loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, or just observing wildlife and nature. He could be found on evenings and weekends, spending time with his family and sitting on the deck, enjoying nature.
He is survived by daughter, Susan B. Grace-Wineberg and husband, Mark, and son, Brian J. May and wife Lori, all of Gettysburg; six grandchildren, Katelyn Dahlen (Christopher), Kelsey Reneker (Taylor), Dr. Kyle May (Katelyn), Drew May, Luke May (Marit), and Sophie May; step-grandchildren, Nick Wineberg (Kristyn) and Katelyn Wineberg; and four great-grandchildren, Trace and Reid Dahlen, Harrison May, and Elliott Reneker.
Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home Inc., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville. Friends and family are invited to a viewing on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 12:00 pm until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm. Rev. Ryan Heycock will officiate the funeral. Jim will be laid to rest beside his loving wife at Biglerville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to Benders Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1385 Rentzel Road, Biglerville, PA 17307. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit DuganFH.com.