John Allen Mai

John was born November 29th, 1943, in Riverside, California, to the late Julius and Ruth Mai while Julius was on U.S. Army maneuvers in the Mojave Desert. Ruth then moved back with John to her family home in Wichita, Kansas, where she had been raised. Upon completion of his U.S. Army assignment, Julius returned to Kansas and rejoined the family. John grew up in Kansas, and graduated from Colby Community High School in Colby, Kansas, in 1961.

John joined the U.S. Navy and served aboard the carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) for 4 years. He was an IC Electrician specializing as a PLAT technician; he “moonlighted” as the ship’s radio station D.J. in his off-hours.

He received honorary discharge from military service in 1966, and was hired by IBM where he spent 43 years at the Cottle Road Facility in San Jose, Calif., working for (M)orison (K)nudsen, and Fluor Daniel. While at IBM, he operated a fork-lift in the parts warehouse, held positions in Production Control and Planning, Security, and Litigation. He served as a member of IBM’s Environmental Health and Safety upon his retirement. While working full-time, John studied at West Valley Community College and San Jose State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia, and his “adopted” brother, Skeet Driedger, and “adopted” sisters, Jeanne Driedger and Susie Trimble. He is also survived by his two brothers, Gerald “Jerry” Mai in Colorado, and Keith Mai in Virginia, as well as his stepchildren, Russell Fewkes of San Martin, Calif., and Christi Crawford of Morgan Hill, Calif. John also highly valued the many friends he made throughout his years working in the Sports and Entertainment community.

Interment of his ashes will be at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Wakeeney, Kansas. In lieu of gifts or flowers, John’s wishes were that people donate to The Santa Clara Humane Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, or the San Jose Stage Company.

John took the time to write the information above and we wanted to honor his request and publish what he wrote. However, we felt there are so many things that should have been included.

John generously donated his time and money to many different programs. He worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and assisted single moms with young boys to provide support during tough times. He also worked at the Shark Tank next to the commentator area in the section 215, where he was known as “the Candy Man” to all the kids because he always had a little treat or toy to give them with a high five during the Sharks games. He volunteered for many golf tournaments and managed teams of Marshals for events at AT&T and Cordevalle regularly. He loved music and worked at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, The Mountain Winery, and other venues. Additionally, he worked at Team San Jose. He also worked with the organization “Honor Flight” where he volunteered to transport American veterans to Washington, D.C., to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifices and to visit the memorials of the respective wars they fought in, at no cost to the veterans.

At home, he was known as “Mr. Wilson” by all the kids in the neighborhood. He had a huge heart and loved all animals, especially dogs. He was a huge supporter of local wineries as well as San Jose Stage. He was known and recognized by so many with all the different jobs and volunteer work he has done over the years. His dry humor and kindness will be greatly missed by everyone who met him. He chose not to have a local service and we will begrudgingly honor his request.