James Maxwell

James Lee Maxwell, age 85, passed away on March 21, 2019 in St. George, Utah.
Jim was born (the eldest of twins) on February 2, 1934 in Peoa, Utah to James Clifford and Thelma Seymour Maxwell.
He is survived by his loving wife of  61 years, LuJeane, and his four children: LeeAnn (Keith) Farnsworth of St. George, Utah; Charlene (Paul) Phillips, of Logan, Utah; Jeanmarie (Collin) Hughes of Las Vegas, Nevada; and David James (Marni) Maxwell of Cedar City, Utah; as well as 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren with 2 more pending; a brother Byron (Verlynn) of Sandy, Utah; and a sister Verona (Kent) Lewis of Draper, Utah. He was preceded in death by his siblings Joe Maxwell, Arlo Maxwell, Jay Maxwell, Dona M. Pace, and his twin brother John Maxwell.
At least 130 children have called him Dad or Grandpa over the years as he and his wife took them into their home to be nurtured for various lengths of time.  Most of them were teenage boys, several of whom have remained a “part of the family.”
Jim’s younger years on the family farm with 5 brothers and 2 sisters were very dear to him.  He graduated from South Summit High School where he was active in FFA, band, and seminary.
He attended the University of Utah and graduated from Brigham Young University, after which he spent many years working as a business consultant for various companies.
James married LuJeane Wilde in the Salt Lake Temple on March 21, 1958 and they had a glorious life together serving the Lord in many capacities.   His whole life was dedicated to serving the Lord in leadership and teaching positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He served an honorable 2-year mission in Southern California.  He worked with the youth extensively in scouting and served seven years as Bishop.  Additionally, he was a stake high councilman, high priest group leader, elders’ quorum president, seminary teacher, temple ordinance worker, ward and stake mission president and missionary. Together he and his wife served an LDS mission in Fresno, California and would have served many more had not health issues for both of them taken precedence.  They spent 9 ½ years as directors of the Family History Center in New Harmony, Utah, a service they lived and loved nearly 24 hours a day. 
People continually sought him for counsel, comfort, and advice.  He was well known for his care and compassion along with his humor, a glorious genuine smile, and contagious laughter.
His later years were spent in poor health but he never lost his sense of humor, his need to visit with others, or his love of family and friends.  He will be remembered as one who sincerely loved his Savior and his fellowmen and would do anything to be of service to them.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Cedar Stake Center at 155 E. 400 S. in Cedar City, Utah.  A viewing will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 N. 300 W. On Saturday, March 30 the viewing will be at the Church from 9:30-10:30 am. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent at www.sumortuary.com. 
Special thanks is given to family and friends, and also to the staff of Zion’s Way who helped to make his life easier.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest donations in Jim’s memory to the Humanitarian Fund, General Missionary Fund, or the Temple Patron Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.