Meet James Mai: Kids Wish Network Board Secretary

James Mai serves as Secretary of Kids Wish Network’s Board of Directors. The experience of being a father to a Wish Kid served as Jim’s motivation to pledge to assist Kid’s Wish Network in carrying out our mission.

Jim was first introduced to The Kid’s Wish Network in 2003 after his daughter Melissa was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Melissa went through two brain surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. It was during this time that he first learned about Kids Wish Network. 

Melissa became one of our Wish Kids and went to Disney World with the family in the spring of 2004. For the first time in months, Melissa’s cancer was not their central focus, and everyone could have fun. Seeing Melissa’s smile was amazing, and the memories made that week were priceless.

Melissa’s wish had a profound impact on Jim, and he pledged to assist Kid’s Wish Network in carrying out our mission following Melissa’s death.

In 2008, Jim decided he wanted to do something to help other families going through similar situations. He started the Melissa Mai Memorial Golf Scramble. To date, the event has raised thousands of dollars for Kids Wish Network.

Jim worked for 30 years in the hospitality industry. He worked with companies including Walgreens and McDonald’s. During his tenure, he oversaw the building and grand opening of multiple locations and received numerous rewards.

In 2007, life took another turn when Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Stressful situtions heighten the effects of the disease; therefore, the family took the opportunity to re-evaluate roles and decided their priority must be on maintaining the family’s quality of life.

Today, Jim is taking advantage of the opportunity to be a stay-at-home father for his three children. He is grateful for this incredible gift of time to dedicate to family.

Jim has many hobbies, including golf, cycling, photography, and RV camping with his family. With the experiences he has gone through, Jim cherishes these day-to-day life activities and no longer take time with his family for granted.