James M. "Mike" Shay of Wichita, KS, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved him dearly.
Here is a glimpse of the life he lived, in his family's own remembrance.
The ordinary days are often the ones we miss most.
James M. "Mike" Shay, age 79, passed away on May 2, 2026. He was born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Topeka, Kansas to James R. Shay and Gladys A. (Shupe) Shay.
Mike was raised in Wichita, Kansas, where he attended grade school, junior high, and high school. He went on to attend Bethany College in Lindsborg, where his lifelong love of art began to take shape. During his time there, he worked at The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, further nurturing his appreciation for the arts. He later earned his Bachelors degree from Bethany College and a Masters in Teaching from Friends University.
Mike dedicated his life to education and athletics, finding great joy in both teaching and coaching. Over the course of his career, he taught at Southeast High School in Wichita, where he also coached football; at Clearwater High School, where he founded the wrestling program; and at Goddard High School, where he coached football, baseball and track until his retirement from teaching in 2000. His impact on students and athletes extended far beyond the classroom and playing field.
He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sisters, Debby Hull and Dana Shay; his niece, Kathy Hull; and his nephew, Tony Hull. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kevin Shay.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Services will be live stream and available to view by clicking on the red "Watch Funeral Service" button below.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery, P. O. Box 348, Lindsborg, Kansas 67456, American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 171335, Kansas City, Kansas 66117, or American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75231.
