Obituary for Maxwell Richard James Maxwell Richard James, 83, of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully Friday, Feb. 26, 2010 at the home of his son, Brad, in Austin, TX. Max was born in Portsmouth, OH to the late Anna Wheeler James and Jesse James. He and his late wife, Norma J. Holtvoigt James, married 59 years, resided for the past 10 years in Charlotte where they were members of Harrison United Methodist Church. Max is survived by three children: Janet James of Lexington, KY; Julia James of Clarksville, TN; and Brad James and daughter-in-law Michelle of Austin, TX. In addition, he is survived by four grandchildren: Nicholas James and Spencer James of Austin, TX; Elaine Hatcher-James of Alexandria, VA; and Christian Hatcher-James of Charlotte, NC. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Grace Reed and Maxine Frye; three brothers, Harry, David, and Sam James; and in-laws Hubert and Irene Holtvoigt. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Jeannie James and Wilma James of Portsmouth, OH; Mary Louise Haws and Karen Cain of Tipp City, OH; and Barbara Anderson of Circleville, OH as well as 23 nieces and nephews. In 1944 Max graduated from Washington Rural High School in Portsmouth, OH and in WWII he served in European combat receiving a Purple Heart. In 1950 he graduated from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY where he lettered in basketball and baseball. Beginning his career in 1951 at A.O. Smith Corporation in Tipp City, Ohio, Max retired from there in 1991 as plant manager, exemplifying leadership that had a lasting effect on countless people. An active citizen of his community, he served on city council, the Jaycees, the volunteer fire department, and the planning board. Max dedicated over 50 years to the Boy Scouts of America from which he received the highest adult honor, a Silver Beaver Award. In later years in Charlotte, he volunteered at his church, grandchildren's schools, and Upwards Basketball. An avid golfer and fisherman, he cherished memories of Troy Miami Shores Golf Club leagues and Canadian fishing trips. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 5 at Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home, 327 W. Main St., Tipp City OH. Visitation will be from 5 -7 p.m. Thursday. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Miami Valley Council BSA, 4999 Northcutt Place, Box 13057, Dayton OH 45413. (937-278-4869)