Award-Winning Producer, Director & Filmmaker Jim May Passes

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Jim May

Nashville producer, director, filmmaker and co-owner of Ruckus Films, Jim May, passed away on Sept. 9 in his home. He was 78.

May spent his early years in the southeast, moving frequently with his family from Florida to Alabama before eventually settling in Athens, Georgia. He earned degrees from the University of Georgia and Harvard Divinity School, and took his passion for theology and transformed it into an unexpected yet fitting career as a filmmaker.

May and his partners at RuckusFilm were among the early members of Nashville’s film community. His career ran more than 50 years and his work won numerous awards in the fields of advertising, music videos and TV production, including Addy Awards, Clios and several Emmys. He was also a sought-after Director of Photography as well as an award-winning Producer/Director who produced several successful feature films and TV specials. May was an early adopter of new technology, techniques and equipment, and worked with artists including the Drive-By Truckers, Aerosmith, Alan Jackson and Kathy Mattea.

May is survived by his three children, Emma Bradley (John), Georgia May Fleming and Oliver Fleming; along with his siblings, Mary Love Helms (Jim), Bo May, Martha Giardina (Gary), Deanie Fincher (Bill), Marianne May Causey, Tom May (Linda) and Joe May (Liz). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. May leaves behind his business partners of over 30 years, Coke Sams, Clarke Gallivan and Jana Laiolo.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Oz Arts Nashville. A celebration of life will be planned soon and his ashes will be spread per his wishes in Carrabelle, Florida.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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