FUHS 1956
JAMES B. MAXWELL

James B. Maxwell, 78, of Pittsfield passed away peacefully at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 following complications of open heart surgery. 

Jim was born November 11, 1936 in Fullerton, California, the son of Violet Ellen Weatherwax Maxwell and James Grenon Maxwell.  
Jim graduated from Fullerton High School in 1956 where he was a standout athlete and Captain of the Varsity Football Team his Senior Year.  He attended and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Arizona State University in 1960 and was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  
He married Wilma Faye Silvernail in Phoenix, Arizona on April 9, 1960.  They settled in Riverton, California and welcomed their precious daughter Janine Kay on February 13, 1962.  A year later, Jim, Wilma and Janine left California and landed outside of Manito, Illinois on their farm where Jim began farming and teaching at Wilson Elementary School in Pekin.  On July 24, 1964 the family was complete as son Jeffrey Dennis arrived.  
Over the course of his life, Jim farmed, drove the Forman School Bus, taught Social Studies at Forman Junior High School and was a highly respected and awarded Country Companies Insurance and Financial Agent and Manager until his retirement in 1996.  He served the Forest City Community Church as a Member and Board Director.  During his retirement, he and Wilma enjoyed living in both Illinois and Florida.  He enjoyed dancing, golf, spending time with family and friends, a good dinner and conversation and "Jim-Lit" to wash it down.  Most of all, he cherished his children and two grandchildren, Adam and Anna Grace Maxwell.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife of 47 years, Wilma, who passed away on January 29, 2008 and a sister, Elizabeth.  Survivors include his daughter, Janine Maxwell of Springfield; son, Jeffrey and wife Becky Maxwell of Lincoln; grandson, Adam Maxwell of Lincoln; granddaughter, Anna Grace Maxwell of Normal; brother-in-law, Michael and his wife, Mary Silvernail of Green Valley, Illinois; brother-in-law, Jim and his wife, Betty Stacy of Lincoln, Illinois; two nieces, Melissa Johnson of Mason City and Gladys Farnam of Lincoln, Illinois and several great nieces, nephews and cousins.

To celebrate Jim's life, a visitation was held at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield on Saturday, July 18, 2015.  A private family funeral was held at a later date and at Jim's request, his ashes were spread on his farm in Mason County.

Per family wishes memorials are suggested to be made to the James B. Maxwell Educational Scholarship Fund c/o of Niebur Funeral Home, 530 West Adams, Pittsfield, IL  62363. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  The Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield has been entrusted with the service.

Charitable donations may be made in James's memory to the following organization:
James B. Maxwell Educational Scholarship Fund
c/o Niebur Funeral Home, 530 W. Adams, Pittsfield, IL 62363