40 OCTOBER 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam James C. “Jim” Maxwell (1948~2024) James C. Maxwell, age 76, of Harvard, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2024, after a five-year battle with ALS, a diagnosis he bore with dignity and strength. Born in Lake City, Minnesota, Jim was the oldest of seven. The family lived in suburbs of Chicago, where Jim learned to count by watching the long freight trains. The Maxwells moved to Massachusetts in 1956; Jim graduated from Wellesley High School in 1966. For 40 years, Jim led Hub Foundation Co., Inc., the foundation construction company founded by his father in 1966, where he was still actively involved until his passing. He grew the company from 20 employees to 120, pivoting the company’s focus from pile driving to drilled shafts, making himself an industry pioneer in the process. A key part of that growth was Hub’s early adoption of drilling. After visiting Italy to learn about drill rigs and see them in action, Jim ordered a Soilmec R-10, which was the first European drill rig sold in the U.S. Respected by his colleagues and cherished by those who knew him, Jim was recognized for his contributions to the field by the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors with their Living Legend award, which they created in his honor, and by The Moles with their 2024 Outstanding Achievement in Construction Award. Nevertheless, he typically introduced himself as Hub’s “chief cook and bottle washer.” He was passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures, but always found his way back to the shores of Harvard’s Bare Hill Pond. A resident of Harvard for more than 50 years, Jim protected hatchling turtles; chased raccoons away from his chickens; once climbed to the top rung of a 40-foot extension ladder to rescue the family cat in a tree; and was interminably engaged in a Caddyshack-worthy battle with the beaver across the street to keep the culvert clear. Jim loved a tall tale; as he often said, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” He was a member of St. Theresa, The Little Flower (Holy Trinity Catholic Parish) and enjoyed bringing coffee and donuts to the 7:30 mass. Jim is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Mary; children Jeffrey (Jill), Gregory (Maya), Alissa (Eric), and Kerry (Shad); grandchildren Summer, Nosara, Charlie, Beatrice, Oscar, Etta, Hudson, Finley, Mary Kate, and Jacob; and by his siblings Thomas (Lynn), Kathleen (Paul), Josephine (Allen), Jack (Dana), and Carroll (Buzz). The management and staff of WWDR extend their condolences to Jim’s family, friends, and former colleagues. Lest we forget . . .
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