We invite you to join us in honoring the life of James “Jim” Patrick Maxwell at a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

Reverend Tim Temerson will officiate the memorial service, with the UUCville Choir offering musical tribute. Following the service, all are welcome to gather in the Social Hall for a reception. The service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charlottesville, located at 717 Rugby Road.

If you are driving to the church, please consider street parking so that family and elderly guests can access parking in the Summit House and Edgewood Lane lots.

Join the service on Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/95036865484

James Patrick Maxwell
August 23, 1943 – September 20, 2024

James Patrick Maxwell, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on August 23, 1943, Jim lived a life full of love, learning, and adventure.

He spent his early years in the San Fernando Valley, California. Teenage passions were his trumpet and his prom date and high school sweetheart. He played bugle for the U.S. Navy during his two years of basic training, and after he was discharged married his high school sweetheart, Miriam Gardner, at age 20. Together, Jim and Mim attended San Fernando State College where Jim studied trumpet performance before switching to Psychology. Upon completion, the couple moved to Oklahoma where they had their first son, David.

His government contract job moved him to Pittsburgh, PA, where Jim completed his Masters and PhD in Education Research at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1975, the family set down roots in northern Virginia. Jim continued to play trumpet in local bands, sing in church choirs, attend FolkLife Festivals, and usher at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. His second son, Nathan, was born in 1978, and Jim started building a long and distinguished 35-year career at the Department of Education in Washington DC.

Jim found a passion in folk dance, clogging as part of his healing process from the loss of his wife of 35 years in 1988. He taught dance classes in northern Virginia, and led a group called the Patchwork Dancers that performed throughout the DC metro area. Jim also found Jane Taylor, a partnership that would last 35 years.

Jim and Jane retired to Afton, Virginia where they adjusted to the slower pace of life. Jim dedicated himself to Jane as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. They moved to Summit Square in Waynesboro, VA two years ago when it was too difficult to manage. Jim was aware of declining his heart in the last year of life, but he didn’t let it slow him down. He was active in the Unitarian Universalist Choir and Second Wind Band in Charlottesville, his Summit Square activities, his Quaker studies, and a new friendship with Julia [Last Name]. Jim also enjoyed attending shows and films, always appreciating the arts.

A lover of different cultures and history, Jim had a special fondness for ethnic cuisine, especially Afghan, as well as Indian food and sweets, introduced to him by his daughter-in-law, Simran and her family. His curiosity and appreciation for the world around him were evident in all aspects of his life. He loved to travel, and visited Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and traveled across the US, visiting the National Parks many times over. More recently, he got the final stamp in his passport by traveling with his son to Scotland, his ancestral home. His work in education research also leaves a lasting impact on disabled and minority children of America. This is something Jim wanted to make clear because of the negative perceptions of civil service in America.

James will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy of love, education, and cultural appreciation will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Jim Maxwell Washington Post Article

Clogging Helps Widowed Dancer Get Back on His Feet

Jim Maxwell — Summiteer Article

Resident Focus