Issac James "I. J." Mays in his 82 ^nd season of life passed away, Friday, January 18, 2019.  He was born September 4, 1936 to Mose Mays and Gertrude Nelson in White Springs Arkansas.

I.J. as he was known to most married the late Cora M. Marshall in the early 50's.  They were blessed with five children.

He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; his wife, Cora Mays; stepson, Alvin Marshall; brothers, Alonzo Mays Sr., Willie Lee Mays and Jessie Mays; sisters, Alberta Rideout, Bessie Sams, Fannie Mays and Millie R. Mays.

I.J. was a hard- working man, he was one of the best log truck drivers of his era: he worked many years as a log truck driver delivering logs for Bearden Lumber Company, as well as a few other side jobs. He loved spending time with his family and cherished every moment with them all. There were numerous family gatherings and many of those times I.J was at the center of attention giving out his enormous sense of humor AND (fatherly) discipline to anyone who needed to hear it. There are many stories about I.J. but it would take a lifetime to list them all. His life was well lived and a life loved by many.

His memory will be  cherished by his children; Coraphine Chambers of Minneapolis MN, Ivory J. (Jewelanders) Collins of Little Rock AR, Victoria Mays of Bearden AR., Tony Mays(Michelle) of Omaha Neb., Tanya Mays(Charles) of Minneapolis MN, Tressie Britton of Baton Rouge, Louisiana., Amber Moore of Malvern AR., a special friend Elaine Moore of Malvern AR., and bonus children Crystal and Brandon of Malvern AR;  fifteen grandchildren, thirty-two great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many devoted friends and loved ones.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, January 26, 2019 at White Springs African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bearden, AR.  Burial will follow in New White Springs Cemetery.  Open visitation will be Friday from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the funeral home.  Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .  Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.