James Henry Mayo III, age 70, of Port St Lucie, Florida passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025.

They that mourn shall be comforted, because earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.

James was born on November 9,1954 to James H. Mayo Jr. and Arlene Allen-Mayo in Philadelphia PA and departed this life on Monday April 21, 2025. Raised in Philadelphia, James attended St Carthage Catholic School for grades 1 through 8, and served as an alter boy, and was also a Boy Scout. Committed to his Christian faith, he gave serious consideration to the priesthood. He went on to attend West Philadelphia Catholic Boy’s High School for grades 9 through 12 and graduated in 1972. He then attended Penn State University. At the same time James also had a strong interest in music and when he received his first guitar at the age of 13, there was a change of direction. He would spend countless hours teaching his self how to play guitar and learning music theory. Once he felt he was good enough he recruited guys from his neighborhood and his brother, Greg and organized the first local Philly band, “Noir Cadeau”. After working several jobs around Philadelphia as a young person he moved to Montclair, NJ to work at his father’s construction company, “Sphinx Construction Inc.”. While still working at his father’s company James moved to New York where he had a son, James H. Mayo IV, from his previous marriage. He also attended Borough of Manhattan Community College studying computer science and music. Throughout his time in New York he continued to play music and was part of several bands. One band in particular, “Sequence” has established a family/friendship that has lasted some 40 years and counting. He also met and married in his words, “the love of my life” Karen. They married in 1996 and remained an undeniable force until his death. Understanding the need for financial stability James found steady work at the City of New York, Department of Human Resources Administration. James was an eligibility specialist case worker, where he was responsible for determining the continuing eligibility of public assistance recipients. He spent 11 successful years at the HRA position before leaving to join the New York City Transit Authority. At the transit authority he rose up the ranks, starting as a track worker to foreman to supervisor at Maintenance of Way for the Track Department. During his working career he still found a way to practice and perform music. After retiring he turned his attention back to full time performing and creating. He also taught Karen how to play bass guitar. They became the dynamic duo know as “The Neighbors”. They established themselves and played at several venues around New York. Subsequently James and Karen decided to leave New York and move to Florida. They chose Port St Lucie and made it their home. Once they settled down, it was back to creating and playing music. The Neighbors were making the rounds around south Florida from Melbourne to Stuart and having a blast. Unfortunately the pandemic stopped everyone in their tracks. After the pandemic there was a relaunch for The Neighbors in Lansdowne, PA at Jameys House of Music. There, another family/friendship was established. Sadly James’s illness prevented him from doing the one thing that gave him so much joy and peace.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Karen; son Jimmy; mother Arlene; stepmother Dena; brothers Gregory Mayo and Michael Mayo; sisters in-law Evie, Doris and Ladie; Uncle Forrest Mayo; aunts Elaine; Lucille; Jeanette; Ruth; Susan and Irma Allen; multiple cousins, nieces and nephews, and so many friends.

James wants you to know that he has had a wonderful life and he loves you all.

Preceding him in death are two men who he greatly admired and shaped his life, Father, James H. Mayo Jr and Uncle Joesph L. Mayo.

The Family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during these hours of bereavement.

May God Richly Bless Each Of You

A gathering of family and friends for James will be held Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Aycock Funeral Home, 1504 Southeast Floresta Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. A celebration of life will then be held from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. A repast will follow on Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM. at Aycock Funeral Home.

The family requests that all guests wear bright colorful attire to celebrate James’s life.