James M. Maxwell

James M. Maxwell, age 87, of Mahopac, NY passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023 with his loving family by his side. He was born in Flushing, Queens, NY on November 14, 1935, the son of William A. and Elizabeth (Volz) Maxwell.
James served in the US Army and later in the United States Coast Guard. He was a retired police officer with NYPD serving in Queens in the 23rd, 83rd, 107th precincts and the 3rd Division vice squad. James was the Chairman of the Putnam County Conservative Party for over 28 years, a former president (8 years) and a member of the Mahopac Hills Association, the Lake Mahopac Park District, Lake Mahopac Rotary Club and the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in the County of Putnam. James was an avid NY Yankee fan and enjoyed boating and involvement with local Politics
On May 31, 1959 he married Josephine Cestaro at St. Kevin's Church in Queens. They would spend summers in Mahopac before moving there permanently in 1970 to raise their family. In addition to Josephine, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Col. James Maxwell (USMC Ret) and wife, Anastasia; Alayne Melanophy and husband, Liam; Joseph Maxwell and wife, Mary Ann and John Maxwell and wife, Lori Raffa; his grandchildren, Connor, Kelly, Ryan, Kristen, Jack, Casey, Jamie, Joseph and Daniel. He was predeceased by his brother William and sister, Kathleen Sky.
James most loved spending time on Lake Mahopac with his family and sharing all of the activities that the lake provided.
Visiting will be held on Tuesday, July 11 from 4-8 pm at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 12 at 11:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Church, Mahopac. Private cremation will follow.