Junious H Maxwell

His Story….

Junious H. Wheat Jr. was born on Sunday, February 6, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, to Josephine and Junious Wheat Sr., both of whom preceded him in death. From an early age, Junious was known for his incredible intelligence, curiosity, and kindness. The only thing he loved more than building model airplanes, was his big sister Louise. Their adventures together often led to punishment, which contributed to Junious developing a new love, reading.

As a child, Junious' parents separated and his mother was later married to Melvin Maxwell, who adopted both Junious and Louise. With the change in family dynamics, Junious later relocated to Canton, Ohio to live with his biological father. He spent his high school years there playing football and learning to play the trumpet, which turned into a love for music. Canton became the place he deeply cherished. Some of his favorite childhood memories are connected to time spent with his cousins and working at the restaurant where his father served as executive chef. But as much as Junious loved the city, he had to move back to Chicago.

Junious was then encouraged to enlist in the military by his father. On February 21, 1967, Junious enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a Radio Operator for Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment at Ft. Carson, Colorado for the next 3 years. Once his enlistment was completed, he returned to Chicago where he lived with his sister until he adjusted back to civilian life. Junious worked downtown for a technology company that required a suit to be worn to work. It was during this time Junious' love for suits was born.

The 1970s were marked by both cultural vibrancy and significant challenges for Black Americans. During this time, Junious experienced personal struggles, including addiction, which led to difficult consequences. Yet his life remained meaningful-shaped by resilience, self-reflection, and growth, as well as hard-earned lessons and an enduring capacity to rise, learn, and love. As he would often say, God was chasing him. In the midst of these hardships, there were several bright lights that cut through the dark clouds. Those shining lights were Nolan Jackson, Marcus Maxwell, and Jermaine Maxwell (who preceded Junious in death). One of the other shining lights was being known as the favorite uncle to Leonard, LaKesha, and LaKenya Campbell and will always be remembered for being a great listener and knowing how to have fun.

By God's grace, Junious checked into rehab and began working towards sobriety in the early 80s. During this time, he discovered a calling to help others. He became a licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, finding fulfillment in guiding individuals along a similar path. He had a unique ability to help people see themselves clearly and believe in their capacity for change.

In the late 1980s, Junious founded J & M Carpets, a business that was far more than just carpet. It became a place of encouragement, training, challenge, and love. Over the years, he employed many men, starting with his sons and including Warren Henderson Sr. as well as both young and seasoned workers, imparting valuable skills while offering dignity, mentorship, and support. Though some joked that the pay wasn't the highest, the wisdom, care, and genuine conversations more than made up for it. While his business was still growing, Junious served in multiple rehabilitation organizations, which include: The Southeast Alcohol/Drug Abuse Center, Narcotics Anonymous for 40 years; Board Member and President of the Fellowship Christian Academy; the Director of Cadre Program with the Chicago Housing Authority; President of the Illinois Addiction Counselors Association (IACA) for the last 30 years; and was apart of a group known as "The Chosen Few", whose members have remained friends over the years. In 1998, J & M Carpets became so incredibly successful it provided for his family for, literally, the rest of his life.

In 1991, Junious met Deborah on Lake Shore Drive - a story well known to many. Shortly after their first date, Marie "Mother" Griffith led Junious to Christ. It proved to be the best decision he ever made. Then, in 1995, he made the second best decision of his life when he took Deborah as his beloved bride.

Junious loved Deborah and spent the rest of his life showing her how deeply he loved her as Christ loved the church. Their 30 years of marriage stood as a powerful testimony of devotion and an example of loving through abundance, scarcity, health, and sickness. Junious was a man who could do just about anything. He could lay a flawless rug, dress to the nines, sing like Smokey Robinson, and, most importantly, listen with genuine care. What a man! As time went on, he found great joy singing in the choir at Christ Bible Church (CBC), playing dominoes with his closest friends, and spending cherished time with his grandchildren. The man who once jokingly referred to all children as "heathens" became someone who couldn't go a single day without checking on his grandchildren.

In December 2025, Junious was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer known as Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma. While his mind and his wit remained strong, his body gave way to the cancer in the end. In his final moments, he fought through immense pain for his wife, thanking her and apologizing with humility and love.

Junious leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Deborah Maxwell; his beloved sister, Louise Campbell; his children, Nolan Jackson, Marcus Maxwell, the late Jermaine Maxwell, Michael (Tonia) Jackson, Yolanda (Maurice) Britt, Ashli (David) Tyler, and Che'la Woods. Affectionately known as Uncle Junie or Jun, he was blessed with a large and loving circle of nieces and nephews far too many to name, among them Leonard Campbell, LaKesha (Carlos) Gomez-Duron, LaKenya (Kawan) Smith, John (Tina) Eberhardt, Kenneth (Christina) Eberhardt, Alicia (Amadou) Bah, Ryan (Jazmin) Valentine, and Daniel (Cayla) Valentine.

A host of grandchildren whom he loved dearly, including Christopher, Nolan Jr, Sheree, Brandi, Junious Jr., Tyler, Marcus Jr., Kyrissa, Colby, Xavier, Latone, Alex (deceased), Tristan, Julian, Camryn, Kyersten, Grace, Caden, Caleb, Abigail, Gabrielle, and Chi. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends, associates, and faithful customers whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity and 40 years of sobriety.

Junious was a complex and extraordinary man, and it is impossible to fully capture his life in just a few pages. What we can say with certainty is that God's presence was evident throughout his life. He was truly "great and getting better", because he loved Christ and sought to live in obedience to Him.