James Maxiell

James (Babe Ruth) Maxiell, son of the late Elbert Maxiell Sr. and Flora Maxiell, was born on January 24, 1932, in Scott Arkansas. He was the oldest child of the two children. “Eldest” brother, Elbert Maxiell Jr. preceded him in death.

He married the Late Bernice Lairry July 20, 1953, to that union one daughter was born. He was a loyal and dutiful Power Trucker for 30 years at the Chicago Board of Education after serving in the United States Army as a Gunner in the Korean War from 1950-1953. He was also a special forces police officer for the City of Chicago. Upon retirement he and his wife returned to Arkansas where they united with Greater New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of The Late Rev. Edward D. Lairry.

James was an active member of the Scipio A. Jones High School Alumni Association class of 1950. He was also a Dixie Addition Diamond.

James had one son, Del Lamonica Rice sr., of Natchez, Mississippi, who proceded him in death.

He married Shirley Marie Brown Belmont in 2005. Who preceded him in death.

On Jul 26, 2025, at 9:55 A.M. God said job well done and called him home. He leaves to carry on his name and Legacy: one daughter Patricia Maxiell of Carrollton, Texas , Two grandsons: Jason (Brandi) Maxiell of Southlake Texas, Del (Yasmine) Rice Jr. of Denham Springs LA.; one granddaughter: Ebony Hill of Hattiesburg, MS. Two great grandchildren Jason Maxiell II of Southlake Texas, Kyndel Rice of Denham Springs LA. One Niece Vera Maxiell-Johnson of North Litle Rock, AR.; Sister in law Frenchia Ellington of North Little Rock, Ar; Brother in Law Jesse (Josephine) Lairry of North Little Rock, Ar: Step children Caberta (LC) Bates, Shawnta (Tim) Brown, William Belmont III all of North Little Rock, AR. And a host of nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by funeral at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Greater New Hope Baptist Church, North Little Rock. Burial with military honors to follow at the AR State Veterans Cemetery.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.