AUBURN — James E. May Jr., 79, died Sept. 26 at Hospice House in Auburn, after struggling with Alzheimer’s disease for 12 years. He had many family members at his side.

He was employed at Armstrong for nine years, Shurtleff for 15 years then Elmere’s Pike for 13 years. James was an extremely avid guitar and harmonica player and enjoyed hunting. He loved his country music, family and friends. He played guitar as and was lead singer in a band called Jimmy and the Strings for approximately 22 years.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine A. May of Gray; son, David May of Lewiston; daughter, Virginia Slattery and husband, Joseph of Lewiston; daughter, Peggy Edwards and husband, Al of Minot; daughter, Lorraine Davis and husband, Jerry of New Gloucester; daughter, Sonia Buckhoff and husband, James of Poland, Bernard May and wife, Michele of Gray; sister, Janice Davis and her husband, Wayne of Standish; brother, Hubert May of Oxford; grandchildren, Michelle, Ernie, James, Alice, Annette, Tina, James, Chucky, Zach, Sheena, Adam, and Alex; and 12 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thank-you to all the employees for their help and support at Hospice House in Auburn, you were wonderful.