James “Jim” H. Maxwell

James H. Maxwell (November 30,1944-August 30,2024)

Jim Maxwell passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jim found his dream home in Cecil County and spent many happy hours exploring the Elk River with his wife Valerie Maxwell, or just gazing out the window at the ever-changing beauty of the river. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his daughters, Jennifer Maxwell Comparoto, Amy Maxwell Thompson, and Jennifer Delgado, his sons-in-law Emilio and Rafael, and of course his grandchildren, Aiden, Raina, Liam, Finn, Caroline, Natalie, and Nick. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Joe & Betty Maxwell, and his beloved first wife and high school sweetheart, Carol Lutz Maxwell.

After graduating from the University of Delaware with a PhD in neurophysiology, he stayed on at UD to begin his career at the Neuroscience Institute. Later in his career he moved to Bell Labs in Holmdel, New Jersey to lead a research lab for human subjects. From there he retired early to join his brother Joe Maxwell, owner of Rainbow Records, in launching new stores and expanding the business as Rainbow Books and Music. One of the benefits of this move was that he and his family were able to spend more quality time with his brother Joe, sister-in-law Kirsten, his niece Alexis, and nephew Mitchell.

Jim was a thinker, an explorer, and a dreamer. He loved science, books, and nature. He took great joy in being outside, boating, biking, walking in the park, birdwatching, star gazing, and skiing. He liked to work around the house, listen to music, play Words with Friends, and complete the New York Times crossword puzzle in ink. Jim was an accomplished artist and was keenly interested in animals, scientific discoveries, news and politics. He especially enjoyed trips to China, Europe, and Canada as well as family beach trips to the Outer Banks.

Jim’s family is grateful for the care his doctors gave him during his battle with cancer, and for the home and hospice nurses and therapists from Amedisys who attended him during his final months. The family will be privately celebrating Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Save the Turtles (saveturtles.org) and sent in care of the R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 248 Rising Sun, MD 21911.