James A. Maynard

James (Jim) Arthur Maynard affectionately known as “Pops” of Gary, Indiana (Black Oak) passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 3:40 am peacefully surrounded by his family. Pops was born February 13, 1949, to Viola and Arthur Maynard who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife Pennie Maynard, and his sisters Maryann Tucker and Barbara Fieldhouse. Pops is survived by his brother Richard (Karen) Maynard and his children; son James (Ruth) Maynard and grandchildren Colton (Mariana), Isaiah, and Dawson Maynard and daughter Diana Maynard (Jimmy Rich) and her children Lisamarie and Kyler Rich. Pops is also survived by Sharon Davis, the mother of his children as well as numerous nieces and nephews- all of whom he loved. As a boy, Pops and his brother spent every day together. They would get up as early as 4 am to head out and trap rabbits to give to their grandfather who would sell them for $2 a piece. They would use the money for food or bait and then spend their days fishing together. They collected pop cans or did odd jobs to gather change to help their mom put food on the table. In their spare time, Pops and his brother would find old cars and completely remake them to drive or sell. Eventually, the guys saved enough money to purchase the first furnace and hot water heater for their small family home. During the Vietnam War, at the age of 18, Pops was drafted to the United States Army where he served from 1970-1972. When he completed his tour he came home and got a job at Inland Steel where he worked for 37 years as a heavy equipment operator. To say, “Pops was a hard worker,” is to put it lightly. For years, he worked double and swing shifts, staying out at the mills for days on end, to make sure his family was well provided for. As a result, he taught his son the value of hard work but also how to make a dollar last. Pops loved to fish with his brother and his son and eventually his grandsons. His favorite fishing spot was at Lake Patoka- a lake he swore he knew inside and out! Pops was an avid gardener. At one point he had 4 separate gardens in his yard all planted with seeds he started himself on his back porch. If he wasn’t in his garden, Pops would be in the garage.... tinkering. He was always building or fixing something. He added on to his childhood home and lived there until he could no longer live on his own. Pops adored his grandchildren. He even installed a pool one year, just so they would have somewhere to swim during the hot summers. He was well loved and will be greatly missed. We find comfort knowing that Pops is learning even more than he ever imagined about fishing and building from the Master Himself, Jesus. We invite you to celebrate his life with us, but please, wear something comfortable and something with a little color to brighten up the sadness until we meet Pops again. In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association with hopes that the next generation will see a cure. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral at 6 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, In. Rev. Danny Cox officiating. www.burnsfuneral.com

James A. Maynard

February 13, 1949 - April 7, 2024