James Lee Maxfield's Obituary
Big Rapids - James Lee Maxfield, 84, of Big Rapids, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital.
He was born January 10, 1936, in Michigan, the son of James and Leila (Burnham) Maxfield. Jim graduated from Reed City High School in 1954, where he was state champ and school record holder in the mile run. In 1958, Jim married Phyllis Brissette, and they lived and raised their family in the Grant Center community.
Jim worked at Kroger, Hamady Grocery Stores, and more recently for Carter Grocery where he retired as the store manager of the Lake City store. He enjoyed his farm in Grant Center, raising animals, volunteering as a 4-H leader, hunting, fishing, and especially family camping trips. He loved to watch his grandchildren at their events, and was an avid Ferris basketball fan.
As a follower of Christ, Jim was a longtime active member of the Grant Center United Methodist Church. He currently served as congregation treasurer, was on the pastor-parish committee, and loved to sing in the choir. Jim also volunteered at the Third Avenue United Methodist Church community lunches, and helped organize the food trucks to assist those in need and was also a member and treasurer of the I.O.O.F. (Oddfellows Lodge).
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis in 2013. Surviving are their 4 children, Venus (Edward) Aris, Linda (Mart) Lindsey, Jim (Lynn) Maxfield, and William (Tammi) Maxfield; 9 grandchildren, Andrew Aris, Gary Aris, Amy Williams, Anthony Aris, Hannah Schneider, Angela Lindsey, Kyle Maxfield, Holly Oates and Laura Working; 16 great-grandchildren; his brother Steve (Doris) Maxfield; his sister Marilyn (Keith) Lutz; brother-in-law Ron Trimner; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry, and sisters Joyce and Naomi.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 22, 2020 in the Grant Center Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to Phyllis. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Grant Center United Methodist Church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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