The Shadow
It is with great sadness that the family of Jesse James Mays announce his passing at age 53. After a long illness, Jesse was called by his heavenly family on March 29, 2023, while in the care of Hospice.
Born on April 13, 1969, and formerly of Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, he was preceded in death by both parents, Ollie W. Mays and Rebecca Mays Paitsel and step-father, Richard “Animal” Paitsel.
He is survived by sons, Cody Mays and Dusty Mays, both of Gap Mills, WV. He is also survived by sisters, Roscoe Mays Fridley of Clifton Forge, Dollie Mays of Covington, Becky Downer and husband J. D. Downer of Covington, Whitedove “Roxie” Ballogg of Gilbert, AZ, and Star Mays Holt and husband Jeff Holt of Goodview; grandsons, Parker Griffith, Sawyer Mays, and Hayden Lee Mays; granddaughter, Khari Rayne Mays; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Alleghany High School, Jesse loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved his dogs Chief and Cocoa. Skilled in masonry, carpentry, and construction, he was a true handyman.
According to his wishes, Jesse will be cremated with a service to be held at Walton Memorial United Methodist Church on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. His ashes will be spread at his childhood home on Douthat Road at his special spot in a private service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Men of Mission, whose works greatly assisted his final days, C/O Men of Mission, 4002 Callaghan Circle, Covington, VA 24426, or to Surviving and Giving Back C/O Highlands Community Bank, 307 Thacker Ave., Covington, VA 24426. He was deeply loved by his family and will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
