James Kent Maxwell
1944 – 2023
James Kent Maxwell was born on August 10, 1944, and passed into life eternal on June 29, 2023. He was born to Leo and Mardeena Maxwell and was a wonderful son, full of energy and mischief.
Kent attended the Arizona School for Boys in Tucson, AZ in his early years, later graduating from Harding High School in 1962. Kent went on to OU and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and graduated with a degree in business.
He went to work for his father at the Leo Maxell Co as marketing manager. Leo Maxwell Co was the Oklahoma wholesale distributor of Zenith TV and audio equipment as well as Fedders air conditioning and Armstrong carpets. Later the Leo Maxwell Co. sold, and Kent and his sister purchased Mike Bryan Office Products where he was CEO. Under Kents direction Mike Bryan grew to be one of Oklahoma's largest independently owned office products dealers which included office furniture and printing services. Kent retired in 1996 when Mike Bryan was sold to a U.S. based paper manufacturer and contract office supplier.
Kent married Daryl Denice Dodson "DeDe" in Acapulco, Mexico in 1974. Together they shared a storybook life of travel and fun including many trips to the family cabin in Chipita Park, CO. Dede was the love of his life and every second he could spend with her, he would.
Kent Loved racing which began at an early age with go karts and peaked when he was a team partner for a car entered in the Indy 500. Kent was the happiest when he was tinkering with a race car or watching them run. He was also a proud supporter of the University of Oklahoma and was an active member of The Touchdown Club, Quarter Century Club and Sooner Club. Kent even attended OU in his retirement taking history courses on Oklahoma and the Native American tribes of the state.
Professionally Kent was an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) including being a member of Forum II and the 49ers. He also served as program director for two years of the OKC YPO Chapter. He was a member of the National Office Products Association and won the Geyers Award for Store Design in 1977.
Kent was preceded in death by his mother and father, Leo and Mardeena Maxell, his sister Bettye Jane Bell, brother-in-law Bill Bell and wife DeDe Maxwell. He is survived by his nephew Mike Bell (wife, Nancy) of Edmond and niece Michelle Doughty of Edmond as well as several close cousins.
The family would like to thank the staff of Iris Memory Care NW including Matt, Peter, Francesca, and Rick as well as Traditions Hospice especially Ashley D, Ashley K, Mona and Kendra who all were supportive and caring during his last days.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association. Services will be at 10:00 am, July 7 th at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church.