James Shay

James Martin Shay (“Jim”), 94, of Bethesda, MD passed away on July 31, 2025. Jim was born in Rochester, New York in 1931 and graduated from St. Petersburg High School and the University of Florida. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955.
Following graduation from the University of Florida, Jim worked for Ford Motor Company in the Jacksonville, FL zone office for several years before moving to the Washington D.C. area where he dedicated 32 years of service as a program analyst at the United States Food & Drug Administration.
Jim enjoyed watching football (especially his beloved Florida Gators) and reading his daily Washington Post. Jim had an incredibly sharp wit, loved to hear the latest updates about his family members, and was the epitome of an all-around good guy.
Preceded in death by parents, John E. Shay (“Ed”) and Alice Painter Shay, brother John E. Shay, Jr. (“Jack”), and brother-in-law David deWolfe.
Survived by his dear life partner Mary Jean Lyon, sister Margaret Shay deWolfe, sister-in-law Patricia Shay, nieces and nephews Susan deWolfe Martin, Michael deWolfe (Melissa), Maria Shay Griffith (Cy), John E. Shay III (Carla), David Shay (Allison), Allison deWolfe D’Aprile (Gianni), Mary Jean’s nieces and their families, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. 
Visitation will be Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church. The funeral mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's.  Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery.

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