James M. May, founder of Mayco Printing, veteran

May 29, 1935March 15, 2012

James M. May, the founder of Mayco Printing, died Thursday in his Hamburg home. He was 76.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. May attended Burgard Vocational High School and served in the Navy from 1952 to 1956, where he learned to print. He worked in various printing jobs before deciding to head off on his own, starting a small business in the basement of his home.

In 1973, he borrowed $2,000 and opened Mayco Printing on Abbott Road in Buffalo. The business grew, and he eventually moved to Seneca Street, where his son, James R., joined him. Mr. May partially retired in 2002, and his son took over the business.

Mr. May had a number of hobbies, including flowers and a love of animals. At one point, his print shop on Abbott Road looked more like a floral shop. But visitors would have been more surprised to find an 18- foot python named Hugger in the back room. Mr. May had a number of animals through the years, including horses, raccoons, birds and his beloved pug, Buddy, who remained by his side throughout the last years of his life.

His other hobbies included aquariums, terrariums, woodworking and magic. He freelanced as a magician for childrens parties and restaurants. He built bird houses in his basement. His final woodworking project was remodeling a doll house he built in 1990 for his first granddaughter, working countless hours until his death. He also enjoyed going to area casinos.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his wife, Carmela; three daughters, Rosemarie Merk, Annmarie Korbar and Jacqueline Medley; and another son, Ralph.

A memorial service will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday in Dannys Restaurant, 4300 Abbott Road, Hamburg.

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James M. May, founder of Mayco Printing, veteran