Roseville resident Jack May remembers the days when kids used to play outside instead of sitting in front of the TV.

Raised on a farm in Wisconsin, he often had to get up as early as 5:30 a.m. to do chores. May is now retired from a successful career with a livestock feed company, and he dedicates much of his time to community outreach activities, such as the Granite Bay Rotary Club and Future Farmers of America. He is especially passionate about encouraging kids to lead more active lifestyles and pursue their goals, as reflected in his nationally recognized children’s book Jumpin’ Jackie: The Cow That Jumped Over the Moon, which encourages kids to never give up on their dreams.

The book’s positive message has a special significance for May, a two-time cancer survivor. For this reason, he regularly donates his books to children in the neonatal department at Sutter Hospital, in hopes of inspiring them to maintain a positive attitude through even the most difficult experiences. In addition, he is the inventor of Jumpin’ Jackie’s Moon Jump Trainer, an award-winning toy that gets kids off the couch and jumping in active play. Through his community activities and inventions, May hopes to make a difference in the lives of children, or anyone going through tough times. “We all have a responsibility to give where we can,” May shares. “Besides, I get a kick out of it!”

For more about Jack May and other local happenings and information, be sure to pick up this month's copy of Style – Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin edition. Click on the Get Your Copy link for some of our newsstand locations; click on the Subscribe link to become a regular subscriber, or to order a copy of this issue or one of our other back issues.