From Farmboy to Fanfares (ePub)

Chaplain (retired colonel) James E. May has written a memoir to declare how the Lord loaded into one life three unique careers-music, military, and ministry. What's more humbling is how he opened doors to a level of success once thought impossible. The purpose of the memoirs is to acknowledge God's guiding hand that led to these successful careers and to glorify him.


Jim began playing the trumpet in third grade. In eleventh grade, the first in a series of increasing opportunities was given him. He was offered an invitation to attended Valley Forge Military Academy on a band scholarship. Following graduation, he auditioned for the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps and, later, the United States Marine Band, the President's Own, where he was assigned for eight years. Again, more unique opportunities came to him by the Lord's hand. Notably, he was assigned as one of four fanfare trumpeters at the White House for Presidents Nixon and Ford. During the Vietnam era, he made frequent trips to Arlington National Cemetery where he played "Taps" for fallen marines hundreds of times.


As he observed the Navy Chaplain from a vantage point behind the firing squad, Jim wondered what he might be saying to minister to grieving families. Being a Christian, he began formulating in his mind what he might say in that position, and he ultimately began to sense the call of God toward full-time ministry. In 1975, he left the Marine band and entered Baptist Bible College and Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He was ordained in 1979 and served as pastor of the Northmoreland Baptist Church for four years, during which time he received his commission as a chaplain in the army reserves in 1981. In 1982, he returned to active duty as an army chaplain endorsed by the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches. He served as an army chaplain for twenty-six years, including an assignment as the senior army chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery.


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