James Walter Maxwell MD

Dr. James Walter Maxwell, beloved Athens pediatrician, died Saturday June 25, 2011. He was born in Winder, Georgia on August 11, 1934, and grew up in Athens. After leaving high school, he served in South Korea in the United States Air Force. He received an honorable discharge and later graduated from Valdosta State College on the GI Bill. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1963. After his residency at Tulane University in New Orleans, he established his medical practice in Athens. Dr. Maxwell said that people may leave Athens, but they always come back!
Dr. Maxwell cared for children with skill and compassion for over 35 years in Athens before retiring from Athens Regional Medical Center. Some of his patients chose to continue seeing him well into their twenties! He considered himself privileged to be a physician; he had a passion for medicine and took his role very seriously. He will be missed by his colleagues, former patients and family.
Dr. Maxwell is preceded in death by his mother Johnnie Hardegree Payne and stepfather Charles D. Payne of Gainesville, his father Lloyd H. (Stiff) Maxwell of Winder and his son, James Walter Maxwell Jr. of Athens. Survivors include his children Cile Coulter, Jamie Ketner, Susan Manthey, Lindsay Schlichting, Casey Maxwell, Jake Maxwell, Samuel Maxwell and many grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Odyssey Hospice for the loving care. The family will receive friends from 5-7 P.M. on Monday, June 27, 2011 at the funeral home and a memorial service on Monday, June 27, 2011 in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Benson Bottoms officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Athens Regional Foundation, 1999 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606.
Lord & Stephens West is in charge of arrangements.