Jack Roe La May (born Jackie Roe La May), age 98, of Duluth, Minnesota. Jack passed away from natural causes while sleeping peacefully at his home in Duluth on the evening of Friday, June 12, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born in Duluth on July 21, 1927, to William La May and Frances Roe, Jack grew up in the area and worked as a bellhop during high school. At age 16, he joined the Merchant Marines during World War II prior to enlisting in the United States Navy. He completed boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Chicago and received Seabee training at the Advance Base Depot in Port Hueneme, California. Jack served with the 4th Naval Construction Battalion, 139th NCB, 134th NCB and the 20th NCB. He served during combat operations in Okinawa, where he was decorated for his actions.

Soon after the war ended, Jack was stationed on the Island of Guam. He served aboard the U.S.S. Robin Whitley and the U.S.S LST 1153. He received training as a bookkeeper and worked aboard ship as a Storekeeper. Jack received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy as a Storekeeper Third Class on June 13, 1946.

After returning home from the war, he worked as a steel plant worker in Morgan Park, Minnesota, was employed in the construction field, and retired from the Department of Defense at Duluth Air Force Base.

Some of his hobbies include fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle. Jack also enjoyed singing, playing guitar, and piano.

He is preceded in death by both parents, his wife Louise Moffett La May, daughters, Linda La May Kurz and Shirley La May Lund, all of his siblings: brothers; infant Bernard, Donald, Clifford, Kenneth, and Warren. His sisters; Elaine, Shirley, Joyce and Mary Lou. Nieces; Diane LeMay Cook, Sherry LeMay Mabry, Nancy LeMay, Nephews; Donald LeMay, Craig LeMay, David Moffett Ray and Robert Matson. Grandchildren: John (Jay) Daggett, Cynthia La May and Lucas La May.

Jack is survived by his children: Jack D. La May, Brenda M. La May, Peter J. La May and Daniel D. La May., nieces and nephews; Karen LeMay Wanio, Konnie LeMay, Kay LeMay Brown, Carol LeMay Lund, Jean Watkins, Kenneth LeMay, Dennis LeMay, Kerry LeMay and Randy Matson. Grandniece: June (Bobbin) Mock. He is survived by grandchildren, Shelly La May Gilmore, Douglas Wiita, Patrick Wiita, Shirley Lee, Mathew Lee, Garrett La May, Kerry LeMay, and Sarina White, great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon, Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Sunrise Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery, 4798 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN 55811