James Alvin Maxwell, 77, of Plymouth, NC, passed away on Wednesday, August 14th in his home surrounded by his family.
He was born August 19, 1946 to the late Alvie and Ruthe Maxwell of Atkins, Arkansas. He married the love of his life Carrie (Eloise) Arnold Maxwell on February 7, 1967. He is survived by his loving wife, Carrie Eloise Maxwell of Plymouth, NC; his son, Jonathan (Eddie) Maxwell and wife, Crystal, of Plymouth, NC and James (Alvin) Maxwell II and finance' Jill Paxson of Washington, NC; grandchildren, Brittany Squires and husband Josh of Winterville, NC, Alissa Cruse and husband Bobby of Washington, NC, and Phoebe and Allie Maxwell of Plymouth, NC along with a great grandchild, Conner Squires.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Harold Maxwell, Brenda Billings, Nyoka Button, Bobby Maxwell and Johnny Maxwell. He is survived by his siblings, Frances Maxwell of Oregon, Linda McNamara of Florida, Melvin and Tina Maxwell of Arkansas, Dorothy Sanchez of Oklahoma, Sandra Brayden of Arkansas, David Maxwell of Arkansas, Dale and Ramona Maxwell of Arkansas and Dale Quinton of Arkansas.
James served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. ARNEB during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was a proud veteran. He worked at Weyerhaeuser for 35 years. He worked at the plywood plant as a mechanic for a number of years and then transferred to the paper mill and was a forklift operator. Many of his coworkers called him "songbird" because he could be found riding around singing. After retirement he attended Martin Community College and received an Associates in Electrical Technology.
He was a member of Plymouth First Free Will Baptist Church for 25 years where he served as a deacon, choir director, and helped with many committees. He later became a member of Plymouth Church of Christ. He traveled around to nursing homes, hospitals and church events multiple times a month to sing and spread the gospel.
James was a family man. During his free time you could always find him spending time with his wife, sons or grandchildren and great grandchild. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, singing karaoke, building trailers and birdhouses. He loved to share his vast knowledge of woodworking and electrical with anyone that was willing to learn. The homes of his family, including his own, are filled with furniture made lovingly by his hands from plant stands, cabinets, book shelves to yard chairs. His legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched throughout the years.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Church of Christ with Jay Hardison and Harold Roberson officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends on Friday, August 16, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Plymouth Church of Christ and other times at the residence.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth, NC.
