Joseph Mayes

Some people live long lives, scattered here and there with triumphs and achievements. Others, like Joseph Charles Mayes, are granted a short time on earth, but are able to fill every day of their lives with energy, life and love. Joe had a great outlook on life and always looked for the humor in the everyday trials of living. He strived to be different from his peers, but was non-judgmental of others and their individuality.

1980 was a stellar year for sports fans. The Philadelphia Phillies ended 97 years of frustration by defeating the Kansas City Royals to win the World Series, the L.A. Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers for the NBA Championship, and the Pittsburgh Steelers won Super Bowl XIV, 31 – 19 over the L.A. Rams. Yao Ming, the Chinese super star of basketball was born on September 12, 1980 and Jesse Owens, one of the world's greatest athletes, died on March 31, 1980. And President Jimmy Carter announced that the United States would boycott the summer Olympics being held in Moscow. During that same year, Kenneth and Sally Mayes of Schoolcraft, Michigan, were having a stellar year of their own. Already the proud parents of daughter Emily and son Kenny, on March 20, 1980 they welcomed the birth of their youngest son, Joseph Charles.

Joe was competitive, even as a young child, striving to keep up with his older sister and brother, and bossing the older neighborhood kids around. He was his own person, right from the beginning - quick-witted and very smart, learning how to read from pouring over baseball cards. He was ambitious in the best sense, starting early by mowing lawns to provide the money needed for his “life plan”. His plan was to go to law school, practice law in a big city in a warm climate, and retire to Mexico with enough money to help little children play baseball. A lofty goal for one so young. But he was not materialistic and did not crave the newest and the best. His thoughts were for the betterment of others.

Joe went all through school in Schoolcraft, graduating from high school in 1999. A very gifted athlete, he excelled in several sports while in high school. Having that competitive personality, he would practice methodically for hours – dribbling the basketball, throwing a baseball up in the air and catching it – over and over. His practice paid off, allowing him to be the quarterback on the football team, a guard on the basketball team and a pitcher for the baseball team, his specialty pitch – inside. He not only played sports, he knew statistics like a sports encyclopedia, and spent a good deal of time expanding his store of knowledge by watching ESPN.

Part of Joe's life plan was to live in a big city. He loved big cities, like Philadelphia, New York, Boston and Chicago. He appreciated what he called the “personality” of the people – the fact that there one could be an individual. His own individuality was very important to him and he strongly supported the rights of others. He also enjoyed the cultural aspects of the city, especially the museums, art centers, and the different types of architecture.

In spite of his busy sports schedule, Joe also found time for work. He was currently working for his uncle’s construction company, Scott Construction. As he had as a young boy, Joe put his money to good use, helping to pay his way through school. He was a quick learner – tell him once and he had it – and put his skills and knowledge to use, helping to build an addition on his sister’s house.

Joseph Mayes was a very honest and upfront guy, with a very independent spirit. For him, life was pretty much black and white. He could be quite blunt when expressing his opinions but could always defend his beliefs. It was always a treat to be part of a conversation with this articulate young man, who was as willing to hear your opinions as he was to express his own. A very giving person, he was never judgmental and expected others to be the same. He wanted to like everyone and everyone to like him.

His tastes in music varied from Sinatra to hard rock, depending on the kind of mood he was in. And could that boy eat – especially if someone else was buying. Hamburgers, cheese sticks, Chinese food – you name it, he liked it. And it was not unusual for him to clean his own plate and then ask if he could have the food off other people’s plates.

Joe had studied at Kalamazoo College for two years and transferred to Western Michigan University his junior year, majoring in history. Tragically, Joseph Mayes died in an automobile accident on Saturday, November 22, 2003. Members of his family include his parents Kenneth and Sally Mayes of Schoolcraft, his sister Emily and her husband Manuel Fredericksen of Kalamazoo and his brother Kenny and his wife Shelley Mayes of Tucson, AZ. Other members of his family include his grandparents, Gerald and Shirley Scott of Schoolcraft and Helen Mayes of Vicksburg. He is also survived by several other relatives and friends.

Friends may meet with the family on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall and Gren Funeral Home, Portage Chapel where his Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday. To read Joe’s life story, share a memory, make a memorial contribution or to order flowers, please visit his personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Joe Mayes will be remembered as a kind, giving, smart and loving young man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.