Jim was born on April 27, 1934, in Houston, Texas, at Herman Hospital to Vernon and Ione Maxwell, making him a third generation Houstonian. At the early age of 12, he delivered newspapers on his bicycle in downtown Houston as well as delivering medicine for a pharmacy. He attended Reagan High School, played on the baseball team, and was the equipment manager for the football team. Jim was drafted to the Army in 1954 and served in the Army Medical Corp as a medic and ambulance driver.
Following his discharge in 1956, Jim enrolled at Sam Houston State University where he met the love of his life, Beth Gist. While attending college, he was involved in various activities for the fraternity Chi Gamma Iota before graduating in May of 1959. Jim and Beth were married on February 13, 1960.
Jim began his professional career at Modern Welding Company as a purchasing agent and then transitioned to the sales department. He worked in the Houston area for 20 years before accepting the opportunity in corporate sales where he serviced almost all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit, he established the company, Maxzler Enterprises, with his dear friend Dale Muenzler. Jim was an elder and deacon at Oaks Christian Church in Houston, involved in the Optimist and Rotary Clubs, and was a Lifetime Committeeman for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo serving on the Calf Scramble Committee. He retired in 2000 with 40 total years of service for Modern Welding.
Jim and Beth moved to April Sound in Montgomery, Texas, where he was a member of April Sound Men’s Club and Golf Association. He cherished all the friends he made in April Sound especially the members of the Tuesday Touchdown Club. He was a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Conroe where he also enjoyed the friends he made in the Beacon Sunday School Class. Jim had a passion for hunting, freshwater and deep-sea fishing, and watching sports – especially his beloved Sam Houston State Bearkats. He attended the Battle of the Piney Woods football game for nearly 10 consecutive years with numerous alumni friends and loved ones including his cousins, Mary Ann and Louise. Jim loved to have fun, enjoyed making others smile, and left everyone with a sense of joy.
Jim was preceded by his parents, Vernon and Ione Maxwell, his beloved wife of 51 years, Beth Maxwell, mother-in-law and father-in-law, John and Mary Gist, sister, Vivian Sliva, and nephew, Gary Sliva.
Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Gary Finke, grandson, Clay Finke, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Kay Gist, brother-in-law, Emil Sliva, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friend Chris Kocian.
The family would like to thank Gabrielle Staten, RN and Jaqueline Younger from Traditions Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and tender care.
Memorials can be directed to Oakwood Cemetery at PO Box 349, Oakwood, TX 75855, or Traditions Health Hospice at 16730 N Eldridge Pkwy, Tomball, TX 77377.
A celebration of life service will be held at First Methodist Conroe on August 22nd at 1:00pm. The church is located at 4308 West Davis Street in Conroe, Texas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.metcalffuneraldirectors.com for the Maxwell family.
