James Herbert Mayes, Jr.

James H. Mayes, Jr.

     James Herbert Mayes, Jr., 72, of Palmyra, left this life on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 for his Eternal Home after a long illness which he courageously fought with the same honor and dignity as that which he had lived.

     He was born on February 6, 1944 in Gainesville, Virginia, a son of the late James Herbert Mayes, Sr. and Alexandrina (McDaniel) Mayes. His early years were spent in Washington, D.C. where he became an Eagle Scout at age 14 and was an avid freshwater fisherman.

     He graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. and was a longtime resident of Potomac, Maryland before relocating to his beloved Angler’s Pond in Palmyra, Virginia upon his retirement. Here he and his wife became actively involved at Palmyra United Methodist Church.

     Well known to the Commercial Printing Industry, Jim began his career in Insurance, but was drawn toward his true love of printing. With a background in Sales, he represented Creative Printing and Printers Two in the Washington, D.C. area and French Bray in the Baltimore area. He later acquired Colorcraft Litho in 1986. Colorcraft of Virginia soon evolved in the Fairfax area before moving to Sterling, Virginia in 1990.

     Jim took pleasure in contributing to the industry at large. He served on many committees for both Printing Industries of Virginia (PIVA), serving twice as their Chairman and for Printing Industries of America (PIA), serving once as their Chairman. One of his passions during this time was judging the Awards for Excellence of both groups and delighted in seeing just how powerful “ink on paper” could become. He loved winning these awards but was equally as pleased for the achievements of friends and competitors who were honored as well.

     He was a man for the people. His love and nurturing spirit along with a positive attitude and an ability to laugh easily were gifts that he shared with all, and as long as he lived, he touched everyone he met in a positive way.

     Jim enjoyed sharing his passion of printing with the next generation and was a staunch supporter of the education and training of that next generation of printers. He was instrumental in service to the Monroe Technology Center in Loudoun County, Virginia giving of his time, efforts, and talent.

     His memory will be carried on by his loving and devoted wife of 48 years, Kathy; two daughters, Michelle Mayes Clapham and husband, Shane, and Meredith Mayes Carlton and husband, Kevin; three granddaughters, Chaney, Chloe, and Cassidy Clapham; a brother, Alex Mayes and wife, Teresa; a sister, Marcia Mayes; and a number of other extended family members and many friends.

     A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Palmyra United Methodist Church by Pastor George Gorman. Interment will follow at Monticello Memory Gardens in Charlottesville.

     The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and again from 6 until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Thacker Brothers Lake Monticello Funeral Home.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jim Mayes Memorial Scholarship Fund at Monroe Technology Center, 715 Childrens Center Road, Leesburg, VA 20175, Attention: Janice Lee.

     Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.

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