Obituary of John Maxwell

John Herschel Maxwell, Son of David and Joyce Maxwell, was born December 30th, 1962,  and passed away due to complications from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Tacoma, WA on November 29th, 2019. John is survived by his parents, David and Joyce Maxwell of Edgewood, WA; his sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Eddie Lafferty of Tacoma; Nephew, Alexander Stemp of Puyallup; Niece and Nephews, Karli and John VanDuinen of Brooklyn, NY; Kaila Lafferty and Tyler Seuberlich of Little Rock, AR; Victoria and Derik McElroy of Sumner; Grand-Niece, Grace McElroy; Grand-Nephew, James VanDuinen; his best friend, Tom Swanton of Seattle; his YiaYias and friends of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption in Seattle; and countless treasured friends throughout the greater Seattle community. We have lost a true Renaissance Man. John found his greatest joy in the simplest of things right up to the end. John would share them as often as he could. His gift was finding beauty and love in all things and people that surrounded him. Often, he would arrive for a family celebration with a few flowers and then go out in the yard to find a twig, a branch, and a weed or two. Then quietly, he would work on a miraculous floral centerpiece that delighted and awed the entire family. He collected, repaired, maintained, and created furniture, homes, landscaping, and more than a few broken hearts. John could walk into any room or situation and not see it as it was, but what its potential was. This gift was true of people as well. He would then get to work with his glue gun, floral wire, and a can of spray paint to create a piece of art that would be the envy of Martha Stewart. John was the original hipster. He possessed a wicked sense of humor and a quick, infectious laugh. His careers included working at Pirate’s Plunder, Rottle’s Department Store, Designer at Nordstrom, work performed in Canada, owning and operating his own antique stores, Interior Motives & The Antiquarium, Club and Restaurant Designer, Landscape and Interior Design and his most fulfilling career at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption. John was an artist in every endeavor. He painted many paintings and his sketchbooks are filled with grandeur. The world will feel emptier without him, but as we plan his service this week, he is near. We find signs saying, “Joy” everywhere, even in places we do not expect them. He reminds us often that he is not far, and we are finding ways to honor his wishes for us.  He fulfilled two of his final wishes in his last week with us. One was his acceptance into the Greek Orthodox Church. John found faith, acceptance, and love surrounded by his YiaYias and the Church he helped care for in Seattle. His faith comforted him through his battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he did not fear his passing because of his love of the church and those who supported him through his journey. John Maxwell’s second wish was to have Thanksgiving surrounded by the family he cherished so very much. He had an opportunity to visit with friends and family all day. He even got to tease his sister about her salty stuffing and his brother-in-law for nagging him. He enjoyed a full Thanksgiving dinner (even his sister’s stuffing), and was sated not only by the food, but the opportunity to connect with his loved ones. Thanksgiving Dinner ended with a goodnight kiss and hug from his Grand-Niece. Grace who said simply, “Bye Uncle.” John’s life was extraordinary! There are countless stories from him, friends, family members, and a few YiaYias that help to ease the sorrow of losing him. What these stories all have in common was his endless capacity to love others. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge Tom and the profound love and friendship he and John shared. Tom, you will always be treasured and are family to us. It was an honor to help him through his final days. For John, let us all remember to focus on our daily joys and share them with each other.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, December 4th, 2019 from 5-8:00 PM at the Curnow Funeral Home located at 1504 Main Street, Sumner, WA 98390. Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, December 5th, 2019 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption located at 1804 13th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. Interment will be on Friday, December 6th, 2019 at 1:30 PM at the Maple Valley-Hobart Cemetery located at 20809 253rd Avenue SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038. Our hearts are filled with sorrow as we mourn the loss of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.