James "Jimmy" Maxwell

1953 - 2024

James "Jimmy" Maxwell was born in New Orleans on August 30, 1953 to Eddie and Joy Maxwell, the 2nd of 4 children. He attended John F. Kennedy High School, playing drums and leading the marching band in Mardi Gras parades, and soon began joining his father on gigs with the Rene Louapre Orchestra. He later attended both Louisiana State University and the University of New Orleans, graduating with a General Studies degree. While selling pianos by day and playing music gigs at night, Jimmy traveled to Winnipeg, Canada in 1975 for a Yamaha music conference -- and fell head over heels for Helen Podence, a musician from New Jersey, who was to become his wife of 47 years. The Jimmy Maxwell Orchestra (JMO) quickly grew to become best known as New Orleans' top "society big band." For over 40 years, JMO has played 25+ Mardi Gras balls each year, including Rex and Comus. The band has toured to France, Ecuador, and all over the United States, collaborated with the Peter Duchin Orchestra, and performed for Presidents Reagan, Clinton, Bush, and members of the British Royal Family. In addition to the traveling work of JMO, Jimmy was proprietor of 2 music clubs in the French Quarter: Maxwell's Toulouse Cabaret and Satchmo's Place. While building one of the nation's top touring big bands, Jimmy and Helen grew their family and had 2 children: Elizabeth and Robert. Over countless nightly family dinners, summer road trips, deep conversations, and lots of laughter, their strong family and home life were an anchor amidst Jimmy's business success. When Hurricane Katrina reshaped New Orleans, Jimmy started exploring alternative paths and interests that had held a spark earlier in life. He earned a paralegal degree, as he had always had an interest in studying law. But he really found the next branch of his path by attending a Joseph Campbell "playshop" at the Esalen Institute in California in 2006. Jimmy would return to Esalen for that same playshop every year for nearly 20 years, all the way up until his death and worked part-time for the Joseph Campbell Foundation, curating audio lectures on comparative mythology. Jimmy was named a Joseph Campbell Foundation Fellow, a small, esteemed group selected for excellence in their individual fields and dedication to supporting Campbell's legacy. After a valiant struggle with cancer, Jimmy took the final "leap" and passed away peacefully at home on February 29, 2024. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Helen Maxwell, his daughter, Elizabeth Maxwell, his son, Robert Maxwell, Robert's partner, Anja Kačmarčik, and so many more loved ones who miss his bright light immensely. By Jimmy's wishes, his physical body has been donated to scientific research at Tulane Medical School. A "Celebration of Life" is being held at the Pavillion of the Two Sisters on Saturday, June 1st at 10:00am. All are welcome, and RSVPs encouraged at everloved.com/life-of/james-maxwell. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to perpetuating the work of Joseph Campbell via the link above and above all, please find your own way to "Follow Your Bliss."