James Miller Mayo

James Miller Mayo, Emporia, Kansas, passed away on March 23, 2025.He was 91 years old. James was born December 5, 1933, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Ronald John "Stub" Mayo and Mary Emily (Miller) Mayo.  He graduated from Wichita East High School in 1952.  He married Jo Ann Vosper in 1954 with whom he had three children.  He served in the army during the Korean War from June 8, 1954 through January 20, 1956.  He attended college for three years at Kansas State University where he played football.  He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Range Management from Utah State University and his PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Washington in Seattle.  He worked as a Ranger on the San Isabel National Forest in Colorado and the Challis National Forest in Idaho.  On finishing his PhD, he worked 12 years as a Professor of Botany at the University of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where he conducted research on Devon Island above the arctic circle. He later was employed 27 years as Professor of Biology at Emporia State University.  He married Ann (Yount) Scheve in 1995.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother (Ron Mayo), and his eldest son, Michael James Mayo.  He is survived by his wife, Ann, of the home, two children: his son, Patrick Mayo (Leslie) and daughter Mary Minette Christenson (Ron) all of Canada and three stepchildren:  Tristen Wendland (Chris), Aaron Scheve (Jeanna), and Melissa Scheve (Joseph Casad).  He is also survived by eleven grandchildren:  Tom Mayo (Sarah), Max Mayo, Carly Christenson (Jamie), Julie Christenson, Susan Mayo, Jody Mayo, and Charlie Mayo all of Canada and Hunter Wendland, Ava Wendland, Addy Scheve, Gracie Scheve, Reagan Scheve, Landon Casad, and Jameson Casad of the United States.

Jim was a man of strong ethics and morals. He loved his family.  He loved his dogs.  He loved the Kansas Flint Hills.  He loved nature and believed in its preservation.  He believed in treating all people with respect and dignity. He was a good man who will be acutely missed by those who knew him.

A remembrance is planned for a later date.  Donations may be made to Hand in Hand Hospice of Emporia or the Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, sent care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas 66801.