James Bailey Maxwell, age 73, passed away July 25, 2024, while fighting a lightning strike fire associated with the Parasol Fire outside of Burns, Oregon. Jim was born on August 22, 1950, in Enterprise, Oregon. He graduated from high school in 1968 and went on to study at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton, Oregon, graduating in 1972 with an associate degree in air transport technology.

His career in aviation started in 1972 as a flight instructor and charter pilot for Lewiston Aviation in Lewiston, Idaho, and continued for 54 years and over 26,000 hours of flight time. His experience was vast and included aerial application, flight instruction, charter piloting, international narcotics and law enforcement, A&P mechanic, and aerial fire suppression.

He enjoyed spending time outdoors and going fast! He spent time on the Snake and Salmon Rivers and for a short time owned a lodge on the Salmon River. He enjoyed racing sprint boats, stock cars, and legend cars. He also liked playing cribbage, camping, fishing, hunting, going to the Reno air races, motorcycle riding, and taking four-wheeler adventures in his UTV down in Arizona.

And of course, he was a lifelong aviator who found joy soaring through the clouds, James Maxwell was known for his passion for flying and his deep connection to the skies. He spent time in the hangar in the winter doing maintenance on all types of aircraft with family and friends, telling all kinds of good stories. People said, “Jim put on an airplane like most people put on their pants.” He always enjoyed going into new airports, seeking the experience, and sharing it with all his loved ones.

James Maxwell was a skilled pilot who expertly navigated an Air Tractor 802, along with numerous other types of aircraft, leaving a long-lasting legacy and big footprint in the commercial aerial firefighting world. He took many to the skies with his passion that touched everyone and was always willing to share his expertise and inspire future pilots.

His spirit will forever soar among the stars.