James Lynwood Maxfield was born on Nov. 17, 1938, in Rockland, Michigan, to James and Grace Maxfield (Pattison). He left his earthly home on March 5, at 80 years old, in St. George, Utah.
James attended high school in Rockland, Michigan. In 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. He served his country for three years and was honorably discharged in January of 1960. On Aug. 6, 1960, he married the love of his life, Gaby Ruth Assayag, in Ontonagon, Michigan. Their marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Ogden Temple in 1995.
Shortly before he married, James gained employment in the copper mines in White Pine, Michigan. His career there lasted for 16 years. In 1976, he moved his family to Arizona to work in the copper mines and in 1977, James was offered employment at FMC Trona mine in Wyoming. The offer to move to Wyoming fascinated him and was far too good to pass up. His employment lasted 18 years until he retired in 1995.
Retirement didn’t sit well for James as he was a man who couldn’t stop working, so during his retirement years he happily gained employment at the Uinta County School District No. 6 in Lyman and worked there until 2008. Health issues caused James and his wife to move to St. George, Utah, in 2015.
James loved working in his yard and flower gardens. He loved the outdoors and loved to fish whenever the opportunity was available. He especially loved to fish with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved his pets, and there were several throughout his life.
James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gaby; son, James I. (Dixie) Maxfield; daughters, Sandra (Woody) Lowe and Joy Rohde; nine grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his father, James Valentine; mother, Grace May; his brothers, James Wesley, Kenneth and Bernard Maxfield; his sisters, Margie Ison, Gladys Bonin and Georgetta Ojanen; son-in-law, Jack Rohde; and grandson, Frazier Rohde.
Funeral services will be held on March 8, at the Mountain View LDS Ward Chapel. Viewing will be from 9:00-10:45 a.m. Services will follow starting at 11 a.m.
Condolences can be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
