E. James 'Jim' Maxey

E. JAMES "JIM" MAXEY

Iowa City

E. James "Jim" Maxey passed away May 26, 2016, in his home under the loving care of his family. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, at First Presbyterian Church in Iowa City.

Jim was born Jan. 21, 1935, in Bloomington, Ill., to Earl and Helen Erdman Maxey. He was a graduate of Normal Community High School and received his B.S. degree from Illinois State University.

In November 1956, he married Shirley Shinall and they moved to Iowa City, which became their lifelong home. He then earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Iowa.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons Joel and David; daughter, Jill Trimble; grandson, Nathan Trimble (Molly); granddaughter, Molly Hambright (CJ); great-grandsons, Coby Hambright and Hunter Trimble; and great-granddaughter, Myla Hambright, all of Iowa City. Also surviving are sisters, Linda Maxey and Virginia Schulz; brother-in-law, Stanley Shinall (Anne); several nieces and nephews; cousins; and many friends, who loved him like a brother.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a beloved brother-in-law, Herman L. Schulz.

Jim was a dedicated and respected educator. Early in his teaching career he taught at Iowa City High School. For many years he was a part of the staff at American College Testing working as a senior research scientist. In addition to his work at ACT, he was privileged to serve on the faculty of the University of Iowa as an adjunct professor in the area of educational statistics. Most recently, he worked in the division of continuing education. In all of his life, he sincerely cared for and was interested in supporting his colleagues and students.

Jim was an active member and supporter of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, the Prison Fellowship ministry, the Gideons, the Kiwanis and the Normal Community High School Class of 1953. He had a keen interest in history and was a loyal Hawkeye fan. He cherished family gatherings and was an enthusiastic traveler.

His love for his family was great. His family motto was "don't look back, always look forward and never give up."

He loved his family more than anything, and we will never give up and we will never stop missing him.

Jim's family cannot find words to express their thanks for the medical expertise and care which he received from Dr. Luke Brunkhorst, Dr. James McCoy, Dr. Scott Miller and Dr. John Kelley. We are grateful to the entire Mercy Hospital medical staff and Iowa City Hospice. Special thanks to Dr. Ty Garrett, a family friend, who gave Jim much encouragement and support. We also appreciate the kindness of the staff at Lensing Funeral Home, where online messages can be expressed (www.lensingfuneral.com).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Andrew Presbyterian Church or Iowa City Hospice.