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The Michigan Regimental Round Table's November 2011 was dedicated to Jerry. Please visit their web-site to read more about Jerry and his involvement with this great organization.
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To the Academic and Civil War Historian Community, 1 November 2011
I just received word of the passing of Mr. Jerry Maxwell, a superb high school teacher, respected Civil War lecturer, recent author and fellow academic Quiz Bowl Moderator. Jerry’s passing is a loss to the community of those who teach history, as he was one of the best. His mastery of American history was re-known, as was his ability to tell a story with the passion and detail of one who was there. He taught at Farmington Hills High School for decades, specializing in Civil War history classes and classes on the old west. I knew him as a Quiz Bowl Competition moderator, a man who could spot the smallest mistake in a history question or answer, re-write the question and make it both more interesting and correct.
Jerry was deeply immersed in the love of and professional pursuit of American Civil War history. He traveled and spoke around the state and around the country, from Civil War Round Tables to historical seminars. He had a passion for George Custer, a fellow Michigan man of meteoric success who displayed controversial leadership skills. Jerry collected some of Custer’s artifacts, of which he would proudly speak and tell stories. He was often more interested in the family members and descendents he met and communicated with for their stories and memories, than he was the actual artifacts he acquired.
His special passion was the Confederate artilleryman Major John Pelham, a life-long interest which culminated in his life work, the book The Perfect Lion. Jerry labored long and hard after his retirement from teaching in the researching and writing of this new and extensive biography of the short life of a dashing member of General Jeb Stuart’s Flying Artillery. Reviews characterize it as “history written as literature.” As one who purchased and read it as soon as it was published this last summer, I can attest to the depth, detail of research, and the intrinsic readability of this book. John Pelham comes alive, from his letters to his exploits, all written in a comprehensive yet naturally flowing narrative. The reader comes to understand the combination of professional expertise and fearlessness that made up this young Alabamian. From Pelham’s early resignation from West Point, just a few months shy of graduation, to enlist in the Confederacy, to Pelham’s greatest moment on the banks of the Rapannock River at the Battle of Fredericksburg, Maxwell captures the essence and innocence of this soldier General Lee labeled the “gallant Pelham.” Jerry speaks in the introduction about how his students challenged him to write “the book on Pelham” after hearing his lectures in the classroom, and Jerry went on to do just that. His capturing of the one hundred days of constant cavalry and flying artillery action after Antietam are vivid to the point of taking one back to the smoke, shot, and shell Pelham delivered in skirmish after skirmish. He wrote a masterpiece, a solid contribution to Civil War history that will long outlive our memories of Jerry. The book is seen by all as the last word on this little known but gallant member of Jeb Stuart’s cavalry staff.
Jerry must have been a teacher one loved to follow and listen to in class. He challenged and confronted any conviction, forcing one to think and evaluate his or her convictions and interpretations. His sense of humor was contagious, as it was never bold or brash, but always congenial and kind; perhaps a tease that he would politely deliver that could bring a chuckle or smile to all those present. He often teased at his own expense, the sign of a man with comfortable self-esteem. In numerous Quiz Bowl pre-contest discussions regarding the quality and accuracy of the questions to be asked, Jerry was the undisputed US History expert. I loved challenging him, as one of the next generation of teachers, Civil War buffs and amateur historians, but often found myself bowing to his expertise. We butted heads on politics and historical interpretation, yet there was never anyone I ever looked forward more to seeing and greeting in the fall of a new school year. The congenial handshake, the warm smile, a sincere concern as to how one was doing was always how one was greeted. Then the anticipated immersion into the accuracy of the interpretation of history reflected in the quiz bowl questions we were to read would follow. I loved every moment.
Jerry was a strong family man and his testimony to his family and his son in the introduction to his book speak to his family values. Jerry’s impact on thousands of students is beyond imagination. As an example, one of them, a Mrs. Patty Fross, is a member of our Multi-lakes Association for Civil War Studies, which is a living history organization. Patty speaks of how her interest in the Civil War was developed years ago in Jerry’s fascinating classroom. Now Patty’s husband, son, and daughter all participate in this hobby, one born out of a seed planted by Jerry years ago in his class. God only knows how many students Jerry affected in just that same way.
Jerry was a true gentleman and a dedicated scholar. It is the greatest complement I could ever give anyone. I am honored to have had him both as a friend and colleague. My great regret is that I failed in getting him to sign his book before he passed.
With sincere respect,
Steve DomkeUtica High Social Studies Teacher
Utica Community Schools Social Studies System-wide Chair
Captain, 4th Texas Volunteers, Multi-lakes Association for Civil War Studies
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Dear Mrs. Maxwell,
I felt compelled to write you, as Mr. Maxwell had more of an impact on my life than possibly any single person. His history lectures inspired me, his tough grading motivated me. While I was a student of his at North Farmington from 1992-1995, his lessons and teachings continued to shape who I was well beyond my high school years.
I always had a strong love and interest for U.S. history...I thought reading a few books and memorizing a couple of anecdotes made me an expert...until I walked in to Mr. Maxwell's classroom. I still remember him walking in every day in his suspenders and sitting on his desk and opening up a world I never knew existed - a history no textbook ever touched upon.
His stories inspired me. He told us a story about America that I didn't know existed. His details were incredible. Who knew or even considered what the humidity was on July 3 when Gen. Pickett led his troops to battle at Gettysburg. I tried to take down every note and detail of his lessons. It was hard to keep writing when all you wanted to do was listen. One of my favorite stories was about how President Franklin Pierce tried to purchase Cuba to keep the number of southern states and northern states even - to avoid a Civil War. Not many high school books spend a moment on President Pierce - but Mr. Maxwell thought it was important we all knew. Every executive decision, every senatorial debate all impacted when the Civil War was fought and ultimately how this country was shaped. The Ostend Manifesto - little known by Americans - but well remembered by all of Mr. Maxwell's students.
While all of Mr. Maxwell's classes were tough - I never wanted to let him down. I took each test and each report as a personal challenge. His grading was all about the details. He actually challenged us to write better. I didn't realize how bad of a writer I was until I received some of his feedback. Grammar errors, sentence fragments - all made for slight deductions on a Jerry Maxwell test or paper. What I didn't realize at the time was how well he was preparing me for college. I didn't just (he didn't like the word just) receive college credits, he was shaping me to be a better student.
I had the great fortune of receiving the distinguished history student award in 1995. My brother received the same recognition in 1996. Having Mr. Maxwell present me with that award was almost like the same feeling of pride a son would get from a father for a job well done. It is still one of my more appreciated awards and recognitions. That award and the opportunity to see opening day between the Tigers and the Cleveland Indians in 1995 with Mr. Maxwell have to be my favorite ones of/with him.
In 1995, I enrolled at the University of Missouri as a journalism student. College away from home was a little challenging, but I was so well prepared. I knew how to take better notes from a lecture and could write more straight-forward essays for tests all based on what Mr. Maxwell taught me. While I would go on to receive an honors degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, I also received a second degree in U.S. History - one I have always dedicated to Mr. Maxwell. Heck, I even joined the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity because its spiritual founder was Robert E. Lee - and it was a fraternal organization I knew Mr. Maxwell would know about and respect. I enjoyed keeping in touch with him and telling him about what I was learning and what I was doing at Mizzou. I simply could not have made it through college or beyond with the success I have experienced without his lectures, education and motivation.
Mr. Maxwell taught me an appreciation for U.S. History that has stayed with me to this day. From the way I write, how I teach others and how I still learn every day is directly attributed to him. I still have all my tests, notebooks and reports from his class. My history degree was as much for him as me. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. Rest in peace Mr. Maxwell. Like all of your lectures, you will not be forgotten.
I am very sorry for your family's loss. I know words mean little to help the healing process. Maybe it is selfish I write as it helps me deal with the loss of the single greatest mentor I have ever had. Mr. Maxwell shaped my life and made me a better man. He changed me for the better by challenging who I was and made me reach my full potential. Mr. Maxwell was a teacher, a mentor and a friend. Knowing him was an honor - but more so knowing Mr. Maxwell made me a better person like so many other of his students.
Thank you for allowing him to be part of my life and supporting him in all his adventures, countless hours underlining passages in history books and allowing him to walk out of the house in suspenders (something I do as a tribute to him).
