James Charles Mau

James Charles Mau was called home on May 13,2023. His children were by his side at Croasdaile Village in Durham North Carolina.

Jim is the youngest of three boys. He was born in Wyoming on September 23, 1934 to Phyllis and Cecil Mau. He spent his childhood in rural Charles City, Iowa. His love for sports, corn on the cob and all kinds of animals was fostered during his childhood. Jim graduated from Charles City High School and went on to play football at Iowa State and Iowa University. After college, Jim joined the Marine Corps where he learned to fly fixed wing aircraft and helicopters as a first lieutenant. He served in the Marines for 5 years and later he served in the National Guard for 5 more years.

While stationed at the Naval Base in Pensacola, Florida he met Helene who he quickly fell in love with. They were married in 1960. As a couple, they loved to entertain friends in their home. They enjoyed planning gatherings and inviting friends over for a drink on the deck. They also made fond memories with friends either hiking in the woods, sailing, or traveling out west. Jim and Helene created great memories for their children and grandchildren, especially the long summer vacations at the Suarez fish camp in Lillian, Alabama and the many hours on Jim's various boats - ski boats, fishing boats and his homemade houseboat which took him 2 years to build while perched on blocks in our backyard.

Jim and Helene moved to Durham in 1963 and he took a job with Duke Hospital Administration. In 1965, he was honored to assist Dr. Stead with creating the first Physician Assistant's program in the US. He felt privileged to work at Duke Hospital as the Administrative Director of the Medical PDC for 39 years. Jim made lifelong friends through his career with Duke. He continued as Administrative Director of the Center for Living for another 5 years.

Jim remained busy during his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking in his workshop at home, spending time on the golf course with his golf buddies, dove hunting with his son and spending time with his grandchildren. He volunteered with the Duke Retirees at Lakewood Elementary School and spent many hours building a garden and working on the playground. He showed his pride and love for each of his children and grandchildren through his time and generosity.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Helene, as well as his parents, Cecil & Phyllis Mau and his brother Jack Mau. He is survived by his older brother Bob Mau; son, Greg C. Mau; daughters, Sharon (Todd) Patton, Jill (Chris) Ivy; along with his grandchildren; Grant (Sydney) Patton, Sarah, and Helen Patton; Tanner and Carson Ivy.

A service to celebrate Jim's life will be in Few Chapel at Croasdaile Village on Tuesday May 23rd at 2:00 pm. The family would like to invite Jim's friends to join us at Spark's Park, outdoor Pavilion for drinks and barbecue at 3:00pm.