John Michael Maxwell

life story

A Loving Father and Feisty Irishman

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

May God be with you and bless you;

May you see your children’s children.

May you be poor in misfortune,

Rich in blessings,

May you know nothing but happiness

From this day forward.

May the road rise to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home

And may the hand of a friend always be near.

May green be the grass you walk on,

May blue be the skies above you,

May pure be the joys that surround you,

May true be the hearts that love you.

About John

John Michael Maxwell, age 87, of Evanston, Il, left us on Monday, November 17th, leaving behind a lot of laughter, Waterford, tiny golf pencils, velcro and enough cordless phones for a small village to call everyone about his passing.

Dad loved a good story and a great obituary, so here is his. We hope we do you justice.

John was born at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, to parents John Thomas Maxwell and Margaret Sweeney Maxwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother William Montegue Maxwell, and Sue (ex-wife). He is survived by children: Tim (Liza), Julie, JT (Robin), Beth (Bill) and his brother’s wife Chris (Jim), nephew Billy (Ginny) and niece Sara (Cory). He is also survived by grandchildren: Rachel (Brad), Mitchell, Savannah (Tyus), Summer, Kaily, Megan and Connor; great-grandchildren: Maeve and Keira.

John grew up in Evanston Illinois, graduating from St. George Catholic High School in 1956, heading to Southern Illinois University for one year before transferring and graduating from the University of Miami in 1960. He met Sue (Ruff) there and they married shortly after graduation. He started his accounting career at Touche Ross (Deloitte) in Chicago and had a few jobs over the next 10 years. This included a short stint in California where John & Sue shared a one bedroom apartment with dear friends, Dick & Ade, - three kids between them. In 1972, John struck out on his own and established John Maxwell & Company, CPAs in his home on Fairlawn Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois. Here, he & Sue raised their family, grew his business, created family rituals and established friendships that we all treasure to this day. Time in the pool and fondue dinners have left an indelible mark on all of our lives. He retired in Naples, Florida near his brother’s family adding to the community of lifelong friends. He was a fixture in that community as well, known for riding every year in the St. Patty’s Day Parade in his old car, with a pint in hand at Paddy Murphy’s Pub afterwards.

John acquired many hobbies over the years; sailing, cycling, photography, travel, tennis and golf. He even tried sobriety a few years but decided life is too short not to have a Guinness on St. Patty’s Day. Some hobbies were fleeting and some stuck. In his words, after he & Mom’s first round of golf, “they never picked up a racquet again”. Photography, travel and golf were those that stayed and these passions have been passed on to children and grandchildren alike.

John gave generously and that was his love language. You were always welcome in his home and he really lived “the more the merrier” perspective. He entertained abundantly and well…music playing and a drink in your hand as soon as you entered. If you knew him, you knew not to turn down a dinner invitation from John (and how to politely avert the big old smack on the lips as he greeted you). He was an excellent chef with signature dishes like ribs, shrimp & brisket; even had a few renowned salad dressings. Most of all, he gave his laughter which was always abundant.

With an Irish temperament, when he decided on something, that was that. This drove him to great success with his business, John Maxwell & Company, CPAs, as well as his investments. He was an avid investor and loved creating spreadsheets that would confuse everyone, including the developer of Excel. Velcro was also one of those decisions - there wasn’t anything Velcro couldn’t fix - I think the De Mestral family likely owe him a thank you note.

His persona was quiet and larger than life all at once. Grandchildren could run wild at his place and he never yelled, but his snorting laugh, piano music, cordless phones, and the 1912 Maxwell… deafening. The quiet time on his lanai consisted of a cup of espresso in hand, a Chicago Sun Times crossword puzzle and investment spreadsheets. Golfing 3 times per week (always the first tee time and at a record pace only), an afternoon nap, dinner with family and friends, and a trip to Ireland every year made for his ideal life. He took advantage of the time he had to love each and every friend as well as his family members. No matter the bumps in the road, he kept on going - and always barefoot.

Yes, there were a few things he didn’t like; the beach, watermelon and don’t even try to drive with him without “buckling up”.

The grandchildren have so many cherished memories with him. He taught them about investing if they asked and gave his standard “Why not?!” to any activities they wanted to do. Much to the golf establishment chagrin, all of them learned to drive the golf carts before they could reach the pedals. Rides in the Maxwell were regular and learning to bartend far too young was a hallmark. The holiday atmosphere at Grandpa’s was always one of cheer, with special holiday decor, late night swimming and hijinks at the country club. He was so proud of each of them.

Dad, though you will be missed, we know others are now benefitting from your presence, as a guide and companion. Until we meet again, we will be envisioning you & Mom on the catamaran you named the Julie Ann, after your beloved daughter, little black dog at the helm and the wind at your back.

Celebration of Life

Please join us as we gather in a celebration of John's life and lasting memories.

Evite link: https://evite.me/1r2c4GuGRH

Date:

April 18th, 2026

Time:

1PM Memorial

2PM - 4PM Reception & Luncheon

Ritz-Carlton Tiburón

2600 Tiburón Drive

Naples, FL