James Maxwell Hargrove

James Maxwell Hargrove lived a long fulfilling life with his wife of 43 years. He passed away on September 17, 2015 and went home to Heaven. Friends will be received at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Service held at the First United Methodist Church on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Maxwell was born on December 19, 1929 in Opp, Alabama. He moved to Clanton when he was ten, and attended Chilton County High School where he played Football and had a talent for boxing. In 1946, Maxwell entered the Middle Weight Golden Gloves competition at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, AL. After winning several fights, he won the Golden Gloves Championship in 1946. After graduation, Maxwell joined the National Guard and later joined the Air Force in 1950. Over Maxwell's 23 year career in the Air Force, he traveled around the world taking on multiple assignments including Electronics Supervisor, Inspections Supervisor for B29's, B52's, C124's and the F4. While on tour of duty in Korea, Maxwell was part of a B29 crew who refueled jet fighters over the 38th parallel in Korea. In 1971, Maxwell retired from the Air Force and returned to Clanton where he met his future wife, Jearlyne. They were married on February 12, 1972 and began a long happy life together. Maxwell enjoyed working at the Church where he installed the playground equipment, installed the chandeliers in the sanctuary, served as President of the Methodist Men and cooked on Pancake Day. Maxwell was a devoted and caring Husband, Father and Grandfather who dearly loved his family and was so proud of them. We are truly blessed with the many great memories over his 85 year life. Surviving relatives include his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Jearlyne Hargrove of Clanton, AL; Daughters, Diane (Bob) Dynan of Yorktown, VA, Maxine (Gene) Douglas of Modesto, CA, Vanessa (Jeff) Stufft of Olympia, WA; Son, John (Lisa) Owen of Clanton, AL; Nine Grandchildren, Five Great-Grandchildren; Sister, Yvonne McCormick of Trenton, FL; Sister-in-Law, Shelby (Fred) Thompson of West Glacier, MT; Brother-in-Law, James (Carol) Studdard of Jacksonville, FL. Martin Funeral Home directing. You may leave online condolences for the family on the guest registry at our website. www.martinfuneralhomeinc.com