Born in 1860, son of Thomas May, shoemaker and his wife Martha, he was the youngest of four sons and a daughter.
He started work as a solicitors clerk with the Roberts family at Montague House, Broad Street. Under the guidance of his employer he passed his examinations and became a solicitor.
At a council meeting held on 10th January 1893 James was elected temporary Town Clerk and following an advertisement, two more applied for the post. James was the successful applicant and was appointed Town Clerk on 23rd January 1893 and held that position for eighteen years.
James was also an agent for Atlas Fire and Life Assurance Office, Clerk to Municipal Charities Trustees and Clerk to the School Attendance Committee. He was also a fine batsman and served on the committee of Wokingham Cricket Club.
An astute business man, over the years James acquired a number of properties in and around Wokingham.
He married Emma, younger daughter of William James and Rose Stone in 1899 and shortly afterwards they moved into “St. Clements” at 11, The Terrace. They had a son, James Tinsley Douglas in 1902.
Emma died at the early age of 40 and was buried in All Saints Churchyard. After a long illness James died on 13th March 1922 aged 61 and was laid to rest beside his wife.
Wokingham Town Museum Unique Identifier: WTH0476