James Gordon Maxwell, 84, of Wexford, PA, passed away at Passavant Hospital Sunday, November 25, 2018. Jim is the beloved father of James Gordon Maxwell, Jr. (Stephanie Rice) of Noblesville, IN, Lisa Maxwell Donaldson of Pittsburgh, PA and Laura Maxwell Lankes (Sean) of Wexford; the proud grandfather of James Gordon Maxwell III (Jenna) of Wyoming, MI, Elizabeth Anne Maxwell of Iowa City, IA, Mary Charlotte Maxwell of Des Moines, IA, Abigail Ruth Maxwell of Phoenix, AZ, Nicolas Fitzpatrick Lankes of Wexford, PA, Emily Donaldson Murphy (James) of Pittsburgh, PA and Elijah Hamilton Maxwell of Noblesville, IN; and the great-grandfather of Lexi, Kaylee and Riley Murphy of Pittsburgh, PA.
Jim was born in Flushing, NY. He was a 1956 graduate of General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Phi Tau Alpha fraternity. Jim married his childhood sweetheart, Doris Yvonne Albert, after college and the couple moved to Pontiac, MI. Jim and Doris were married for 42 years. Doris died in 2002 after a battle with cancer.
After retiring from a 30-year career with General Motors, Jim started Maxwell Enterprises in Wexford, where he instructed first responders in the efficient deployment of airbags in emergency situations. After closing Maxwell Enterprises, he was an active member of the GM Alumni Club in Phoenix, AZ, where he lived as a snowbird for the past 16 years. Jim mentored promising Phoenix high school students through STEM projects sponsored by the alumni club.
Jim was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church of the Highlands in Pittsburgh, where he served on the church council and held an active role in building the Memorial Garden, honoring church members who have passed away. In Phoenix, he was part of the Risen Savior Lutheran Church.
Jim was a people person who loved to tease and laugh. He enjoyed woodworking and helping his kids with home renovation projects. A 39-year resident of greater Pittsburgh, Jim loved his Pirates and Steelers. He will be greatly missed.
Arrangements are under the direction of HP Brandt Funeral Home, Inc., 1032 Perry Hwy. Ross Twp., and where condolences may be offered at www.brandtfuneralhome.com
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