James R. Maxson, Jr., 86, died on Wednesday, December 9, at home in Mystic, CT, surrounded by family. He was born on April 21, 1923, in Mystic, CT, the son of James Sr. and Marguerite (nee Noyes) Maxson.
He is survived by his wife, Justine (nee Vanasse) Maxson, his children, Sara (William) Sheldon of Albany,NY; James III (Elizabeth) Maxson, of Williamsville, NY; Lizbeth (Dennis) McGee of Groton, CT; and Christopher Maxson; his sister Mary (late Charles) Palmer of Mystic, CT; 9 Terrific Grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a son, Andrew Edward Maxson.
He was educated at Mystic Academy, Fitch H.S. and University of Connecticut. He served in the US Navy, US Army Air Force and US Air Force. He was employed by Aetna Insurance Company and after home office training went to Richmond, VA as a special agent, then transferred to Buffalo, NY in the same capacity. While in Buffalo, he joined and later acquired ownership of The Gahwe Bros. Insurance Agency. He was President of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of New York, Vice President of the Rotary Club of Buffalo. He served on the review committee at the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Having been interested in public education, he became a member and later President of the Amherst, NY, Board of Education; Co-founder and President of the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities of Western New York and later President of Groton, CT, Board of Education. He also was a volunteer at the Mystic Seaport Museum.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 26th at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Mystic, CT.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Beacon Hospice , Inc.,12 Roosevelt Ave., Mystic, CT 06355.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with his family, please click the link below.