I only just learned about Jim's passing.   I had the pleasure of working for Jim in the mid 1990's.   I was a young college student working in the lab.  I got to work with Jimmy, Ed, and Jim.  I'm really glad to have been able to work with the Maxwell family and get to know them a little.  Jim was kind, generous, and had a great sense of humor.  His smile and big laugh lit up the room.  I popped into the studio in the Tower this past summer to help my own daughter get her senior picture taken.  I inquired about Jim and they said he was still around  but Stacy was taking the lead.  So many memories came flooding back!  I'm sad I didn't get to catch up with him then or say my respects in August.  I must have missed him by only about a month.  :(  My condolences to the entire Maxwell family, both at home and in the studio.  I know he is missed!

Jim has been such bright figure in my life for as long as I can remember. As a young girl, I loved going to the studio for pictures and having so much fun. I just remember all his tricks to get us to smile, the crocodile that would make noise in the basement and all the toys he would pull out of the cabinet. I can't imagine having a better person in this whole world to be a  first boss. There wasn't a day where I didn't have a laugh. He became so much more to me over the years and to this day I consider Jim to be more like a father figure. I was so lucky to have him put so much faith and trust in me and I strive everyday to make him proud. 

Dearest Jim,
We haven’t been as fortunate as most folks who have known Jim and Peggy for a long time. Our friendship is only a few years old, but we loved you both instantly and feel like we have known you forever. Those fun nights when we would come over for the amazing dinners that you fixed are such precious memories for us. Even if we just ordered pizza and ate at your home it was always so much fun. I remember laughing at your quick-witted humor and those crazy jokes.

The conversations that we had about politics and World Wars were definitely interesting, with you and Curtis agreeing on almost everything, which is rare! He loved seeing your guns and hearing your stories. I can picture you and Curtis sitting on the patio by the pool and chatting away, you smoking your cigar. You two are kindred spirits for sure. 

Sharing your music with us on Alexa was such fun, I remember being amazed at Alexa and you telling her to play this or that, volume up, volume down. I think of you every time I ask my Alexa, that you gave to me just because I enjoyed it so much, to play music. 

We miss you so much already. We promise to help take care of your lovely bride, you two had such an amazing love story. Peggy, I treasure your friendship and know that we will spend lots of time shopping, drinking wine, and talking about your Jim.


Peggy,

So sorry for your loss. To have the love of your life and best friend be by your side for decades is a gift.  I hope knowing that  you both will ultimately be together  again brings you some comfort.   I will always remember what a nice man Jim was. He always welcomed everyone and made them always feel comfortable.  I recall him saying to me,  “Hi Cuz how ya doing” with a hug.  I hope all the beautiful times together and memories comfort you during this difficult time. Hugs and love, Georgeena

To me Jim was such a loving and devoted family man.Jim brought so much joy to all that was in his company.Jim you lived a life well lived and I know there is a loving God that will embrace you.Rest peacefully Dear Cousin.

Grandpa,
From my love of the outdoors to my respect for firearms, from my value of family to my interest in World War 2, from my love of tinkering to my adventurousness in cooking, you have inspired me to try new things always.  I will think of you in the mountains, at the beaches, and whenever I hear any number of songs we used to listen to in your van.  You have helped me realize what kind of man I want to be, and I can't thank you enough.  You will be missed.
Love always,
Your Main Man

With so many wonderful memories that come to mind, I’d like to share my earliest memory with Uncle Jim. 

My parents, sisters and I would make a yearly trip from Utah to California to visit grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins.

I remember on one such trip, I couldn’t have been older than 12,  we ended up visiting Uncle Jim and Aunt Peggy in their new home in Fresno. I was looking at all the family pictures hanging on the walls when Uncle Jim called me over to his chair and sat me on his lap.  He pulled out his wallet and held a picture in his hand and said, “Patrick, do you want to see a picture of my pride and joy?” I of course expected the photo to be one of aunt Peggy but instead Uncle Jim, always the comedian, revealed this picture (below) of a bottle of “Pride” and “Joy”. 

It was the funniest thing I had seen and I will never forget how much we laughed about that silly picture. And continued to laugh for years to come. In fact on my last visit with Jim we reminisced about that very story.  

Jim was always so welcoming and always so much fun to be around. No matter what was going on he managed to always make me feel like I was the only one in the room.  I will miss him deeply and always remember what a great man, father and uncle his was. I love you Uncle Jim and I won’t stop loving you, ever. Rest In Peace dear uncle. 

Uncle Jim is more than my Uncle, more than my favorite uncle, he is the light that hugs my heart.

I did not get to grown up near my family in CA, but everytime we could visit I couldn't wait to see my uncle Jim. See his smile, hear his voice say "Love you sweetie!" and hug me so warmly I could feel it in my heart.

As an adult I moved back to CA and it never failed when I saw my dear uncle, I felt his light in my presence and in my heart.

Because, that's Jim. Jim loved, just loved. He loved like no one I've ever known. Loved his family, his friends, life.... and you knew you were in the presence of a rare and beautiful soul. I strive everyday to love like my uncle loved.

I love my uncle Jim more than words can express. I cannot wrap my arms around him and hug him physically anymore, but I can think of him and see his smile, hear his voice say "Love you sweetie!" and I feel him hug my heart even now.

I will miss hearing you tell me everytime I saw your about the day I was born and how much you laughed at Aunt Peg saying "I'm an aunt! I'm an aunt!" And her coworker saying "I'm a lady bug!"

Love, your first niece who loves you forever and always. 
Liz 

My Dearest Jim,

I searched and searched for a picture to add to this post but I could not find one.  That is okay as your memory continues to live with me and my memories of our time together.  

You met me when I was 15 and in junior high school.  The day that Joanie, Diane, and I sat in the kitchen to watch you with our crazy family and the clogged toilet.  Boy are you a trooper throughout the years.

You have been my rock and my refuge at the times I have needed it most.  Not in public, but in private, did we share dreams, sadness, and laughter. 

You have always been the Godfather to Jarrod and Camille and with that I can not ask for anything greater.  You taught Jarrod to say Ooh la la to pretty ladies and you taught Camille how to sit in a lawn chair, ring a bell, and poof someone is there to meet her request.   Thanks Jim that was a hard habit to break. LOL.  Your love and interest in both Jarrod and Camille will live in them forever and ever.  The support you have to each one has helped them understand that family is there always.  

I love you with all my heart.  I will keep your memory alive in all that matters.  You, and you alone, know my heart  - its fears and joys.  I thank you for that.  I will love Peggy, in your honor, until you two meet up again!

Until we meet again (my brother from another mother) I will be eternally grateful to God's great blessing of having you in our family and in my life.

Your loving Sister.

I have so many wonderful memories with my uncle Jim, and I cherish the time I was able to spend with you every chance I had, from you making all of our family parties memorable with your hilarious personality, to me being so fascinated when you would show me your collections of guns and photography and tell me about the history of each piece. It was never a dull moment with you Jim. You brought life and humor every place you went. I remember when I brought my girlfriend, at the time (wife now) to your house to meet you and Peg for grandpas birthday and instantly she felt as part of the family because of your warmth and welcoming charm. You always had such a caring and loving heart no matter who it was and I am so thankful to be able to look back at all of those memories. I know you and Peg shared a kind of love that moved mountains. I truly believe that love will live on forever and I know you are looking down at her and all of us.

Rest In Peace Uncle Jim
Marlaena and I love you  

There are too many memories to pick just one. What I can say is that you are one of the few people that is instantly likeable and an immediate addition to the family. Thank you mostly for making my sister happy. Thank you for giving me the gift and passion for photography. See you soon brother.

Jim has always been not my son in law but my best friend. I will miss you very much. Until we meet again!
Love,
"White Man"

I  had the pleasure of knowing Jim Maxwell for the last 40 plus years. From the moment we met we were best of friends and close family relations.  Throughout those early years I kept up with Jim's career with Bank of America, and his transition along with Peg, from living & working in the Bay Area to their move to Fresno to take over Jim's parent's business. Afterwards during our senior years, we actually had time to visit each other and even meet in Spain on vacations.  
My favorite memory was our meetings in Barcelona following Jim & Peg's European Cruise. I remember one warm day in Barcelona the three of us were shopping while Peg was window shopping, that Jim & I noticed an older man approaching us carrying groceries and had a real brown suntan....But then together Jim and I  looked at each other and began to laugh aloud, all the while Jim was trying to get Peg's attention. The man was "totally naked"! He was walking the same sidewalk, but in the opposite direction to us. Jim and I were flabbergasted while Peg was slow at looking toward his direction. Jim and I were howling while Peg was looking at us in the strangest way. 
In later years, I had more chances to visit Fresno and spend additional time with Jim (and Peg). We had dinners, drinks and fun together. Losing Jim feels like I have lost my brother. I loved him and felt his affection for me.  Jim was always generous toward others and shared his experiences and hobbies. Jim introduced me to the General Doolittle Fly-In at the Fresno Airport, bought me a Lladro statue of Don Quixote, and even gifted me a classic 1942 Italian Beretta Pistol which he knew I would treasure. 
Jim was always a generous and loving person. He loved life, worked and partied hard, and treasured Peggy.  I'll always miss Jim, and have been lucky to have a close friend and relative in my life.
I thank God and his family, especially Peg, for sharing her husband and their father with me.

Cousin Joe D'Angelo

It was a cold and dreary summer morning as I walked out of a Morro Bay motel room. 430 or so, dark, misty. I had gone down to the office in search of coffee only to find the door locked. I turned to watch a cat run into the street only to get hit by a car. I mean what are the chances? The unluckiest cat in the history of the world. The day was to be about death. My brother taking me out for my first deep sea fishing trip. 
But the day was also gonna be about love and life. Love for family. Life in your years. And when you think of these things Jim is always top of mind. A man that was at every significant event in my life (and some not so significant lol) epitomized what it meant to be the patriarch of the family.He was a gift, and God knew what he was doing when he placed Jim in my life. And now he has been called home so he can move on to what’s next in the plans. 
Give em hell Maxwell! See ya on the other side. I miss you buddy

FROM COUSIN CONNIE

Jim, 

My memory will always be the hi “CUZ” with a warm smile and open arms.  You really will be missed Jim and the wonderful husband that you were to Peg. Too soon  to leave us but the legacy you have left behind will always be remembered. 

God bless you. You are in Gods arms. 

Love cousin Connie

I have wonderful memories of spending time with both Jim and Peggy,  such a loving couple , love of family and of friends.  Dinner with the Maxwell's was  always enjoyable meeting other members of the family and hearing Jim tell stories of how he met and fell in love with his devoted wife Peggy.  Their focus always remained on making each other happy and enjoying life to the fullest.  Needless to say,  Jim will be deeply missed.  I wish to send my heartfelt love and sympathy to Peggy and family.

Four decades seems like a long time but honestly feels like only yesterday Peggy & Jim came  into my life.

Peggy, my co-worker and dearest friend, introduced me to Jim & her family which they openly welcomed me into their lives.  So many memories,  but let’s just say Jim was a loving & generous friend.  He was genuinely interested in every person he met.  I always marveled at his infinite knowledge of History, especially of the Civil War, WWI & WWII.

He called me “Sis”.  I called him affectionately the “Big Guy”.

Until we meet again my Brother.

Love always,
Trudye 

When my daughters were in their early teens, Jim and Peggy came to our house for a visit.  As it was near Christmas, Jim proudly presented my daughters with a present - each in a box that barely fit through the doorway.  As Melissa and Nicole tore into their beautifully-wrapped gifts, they came upon a smaller box, also carefully wrapped.  This went on for quite a while - I recall perhaps seven sequentially-smaller packages (each attentively wrapped).  At the end, in a box two inches square, was an iPod shuffle for each.  The girls were appreciative, yet exhausted.  It was obvious that Jim was the mastermind, based on the pride he showed during the lengthy process.

Jim's love of life and witty humor created many memories that will fill our hearts forever.

My biggest memory of Jim (there are many) is back in the late 70’s I was a single mom trying to get by and barely making ends meet. I was unhappy at my job. I was with my mom & dad and we stopped by Jim & Peg’s house one day just for a visit. Jim could see my despair and talked to me about finding another job in an area I was interested in which was  working in the legal field.   He worked for Bank of America and told me he’d give  Personnel a call. Next day I was called for an interview and offered the job on the spot in their legal department which I excitedly accepted. I ended up becoming a legal secretary for a senior attorney who took a chance on me with no legal experience and trained me. I worked for him for 11 years and loved my job.  That day in Jim & Peg’s kitchen drinking coffee  Jim changed the course of my life.  I will forever be grateful.  Rest In Peace. Love you forever. 

My memories of my dear friend and as we would call each other a Brother from another mother, was always with love and laughter. We always from the first day we meet clicked as very close friends/family. Going through the St Paul Newman Catholic RCIA program, Jim as a candidate and I as  a candidates sponsor to someone else hit it off.  Over the following years it was apparent that we had connected on a greater plan then just friendship, but on a greater spiritual side as well. He was a great father, husband and dear friend. I am always honored to be his friend and will always cherish the times we had together. I was able to say my last goodbye to my friend, who I love so much. May God greet you with open arms and a glass of wine my friend. May your smile forever be our memory and may it bring smiles to our faces when we think of you. It will for me as well as the warmth of your true friendship. May God continue to bless your family and strengthen their hearts to survive without your physical presence, but relish in the warmth of your eternal love.  I love and miss you my dear friend.

I will never forget all the times we spent sharing music - between him showing me music and playing it on his computer to printing out sheet music for me to play, to hanging out around the piano and him showing my how to play the organ. 
I always loved going to their house just to spend time together and I will miss that forever. 
Love you Uncle Jim

     Well, I guess as a memory it needs to be the first one when I met the man. 

     My girlfriend in a very, very new relationship (wife now) would always talk to Jim & Peg about me and refer to me as "Honey". I couldn't tell you how long it was before I met or how many conversations my wife had with them before I met them.

     Anyway, the very first time I met Jim & Peg, they immediately they called me "Honey" instead of my actual name. Quite honestly I dont think they knew my name until the wedding 😉.  He even tried to get my shipmates to start calling me that... It lasted one day. We we're also fortunate to have him be our wedding photographer. The last one before his well earned retirement.

     I knew at that moment, these were my kind of people. A family that has a good laugh, ribbing each other occasionally, sharing a few drinks. 

     Jim was always fun, entertaining, charismatic & joyful to be around. And though I've only known the man for 18 (ish) years, to me he was one of those people to give all that he had. 

   You left us with a hole in our hearts Jim. One that cannot be filled without you. But you are also at peace and I'm thankful for the time, the laughs, the food and most important of all, the memories that I got to spend with you.

Fair winds and following seas Uncle Jim. Safe travels to the other side, you will be missed.

Jim, I will forever remember your warm and welcoming smile. The fun times and good foods we shared, the laughter and animated discussions. The photos you took at our daughter's wedding.  Memories too many to mention  but always will cherish.
I am a better person for calling  you and Peggy friends.
May you rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord dear friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your families loss.  Jim was very close to my father Joe D'Angelo and we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing.  We are sending you all of our love during this difficult time.  

Dear Peg and family ,

Brian and I are so sorry for your terrible loss.  Jim was one of the kindest men we have ever had the pleasure of knowing.  He was so generous with his time, knowledge and love and gave me the confidence to pursue a career in photography.  I remember one day he pulled me aside (after closing Maxwell Studio South in Hanford) and he hugged me for a long time.  I was in tears because I thought that I had failed him.  He looked me in the eyes and said, “ you are great at this.  Peg and I are not disappointed in you in the slightest.  This isn’t the right location for you.  You’ve got to keep going!”   His words and actions of unconditional love and support still motivate today and I try to treat others the way that he always treated me.    You are all in my thoughts and prayers.   Jim loved you so very much !  Please know how much he was so deeply loved by us.  


It is a blessing beyond words to call this man my Uncle. Stories in my 29 years of knowing him range from an electric Kodak car for Easter when I was little, to discussions on photography and getting my first camera, to leaving on a mission to Russia, to celebrating nursing school together. We had a "man sink" at his house where men went to wash up in his home.  He was always quick with a new joke every time I saw him. His humor was unparalleled. Even as a little boy I can hear his voice teaching me "Ooo la la" when I saw a pretty woman -- and subsequently saying it to a nun later on. When I came out to my family, he was quick to remind me that nothing had changed and that the family always loved and supported me. It was an honor that even while not feeling the best, he came out to meet my boyfriend, Hunter Engan, and hear stories of my growing up. Uncle Jim you are a great man and have lived an amazing life. It is time to rest now! And when I throw that graduation cap to the sky, I know you're there to catch it!

My Uncle Jim, as I called him Uncle Jim  Dear, has been a huge part of my life since the day I was born. No matter the occasion; birthdays, holidays, school performances, or graduations, he was there. And what was even better, he lived right around the corner from my childhood home. So he was always a second away. He always told me that he would always be a call away if I ever got into any trouble. 
I will never forget when I was in 7th grade and he picked me up from school in his military Jeep and rang the siren as I waved bye to everyone. 
His presence in my life is going to be greatly missed. And I will always love him and pray to him.
RIP Uncle Jim Dear I love you. 

”My Brother”!!!! Is always how you greeted me with that loud enthusiastic voice that was always full of. Love and happiness I will always remember your advice to me when it comes to getting along with the McPartland Woman ”never take sides you will lose if you side with Joyce as her husband she will turn on you in defending her sisters”  Jim you will always be the big brother I never had. I will forever cherish our discussions about WWII,  and history your enthusiasm for both always inspired me. Your love for Peg you set the standard on how to take courtship all the way to the end. The way you would talk about her when it was just us your love for her is so beautiful just speaking her name and you would just smile and your voice would soften. I'm honored that you were in my life I'm selfish Bro it was not long enough. I love you thank you for loving me and the kids and Joyce. Rest easy we have your girl we're closing ranks to hold her tight and love her as you would want us to.  Until we see each other and I can say to you once again ”My Brother” rest you fought a hell of a fight love you. 

Uncle Jim, you're at peace in God's loving hands and free from any limitations. Thank you for the endless love and support that pours out, even after this life. I still remember getting paid $20 to say a "How you doin'?" impersonation from Friends.  I don't understand why you went along with the "I'll do it again for $20." Haha! I love you and will see you again!

"Uncle Jim Dear" is how my brother-in-law was known to the Wigney family. Jim was a support to us in so many ways! A brother, an uncle, a friend and even our neighbor. Our daughter's Gina and Katie had their aunt and uncle around the corner and how cool to have family literally a hop, skip and a jump away. We celebrated all the holidays, birthdays, 4th of July's and everything in between. We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving at my dad's house last year and we cherish all the memories we were able to make together. Family is truly a blessing and Jim shared his love for his family in oh so many ways.  The McPartland's were truly blessed to have him in our lives!

"There are two dates in time that are carved on our stone and everyone knows what that means. But what's more important is the time that is know by that little dash there in between." Thank you Jim for sharing that little dash that we will cherish for a lifetime.
Love, your sister, brother-best friend, and beautiful nieces
Barbara, Tony, Gina and Katie


I came to know Jim through his wife Peggy.  I had the pleasure of working with Peggy, and she would convey her memories and love for Jim with me.  They have a very special love that is eternal.  Very few in life ever get to have this depth of love and caring in their relationship.  

Once I needed to reach Peggy at home on a business matter, and Jim picked up the phone.  He was joking around as to who I was, knowing full well I worked with Peggy.  He was very kind and had a wonderful sense of humor. We both had a great laugh together after he got done teasing me.

I know that each day will be hard without her best friend, Jim.  I will be there for you Peggy and am praying for strength for you and your family during this difficult time.

The world could use many more “Jim’s” and bring some light to this world.

Love,

Kate Tuckness

There are no words to convey this tremendous loss to our family.  Jim has been a constant in my life, beginning at 12 years old.  He was larger than life and our "Cool" brother in law.  He was a mentor to me from my youth until the day of his parting.  And my children grew up always having Uncle Jim be their favorite uncle and mentor as well.  Rest in peace, my sweet brother-in-law.  We love you and will miss you terribly!  Until we meet again....

OBITUARY

James Maxwell Sr.

27 May, 1944 – 5 August, 2019

Boice Funeral Home

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