Paul Maxim's Untimely Passing (UPDATE)

UPDATE: huge thank you to all the generous donors! We DID IT and reached the initial goal to cover the $15.5k base costs of the funeral. A sincere thanks from my Mom and our whole family <3

SO: We found out today that the ER visit, helicopter airlift and life support medical bill is expected to cost $65,000 in total, of which Janet will be liable for $15,000. So we are humbly asking for help, but expecting nothing, and eternally grateful for everyone's contributions up to now.

FUNERAL:

Visitation-Viewing will be held Tuesday September 27 from 5PM to 8PM at Linworth Road Community Church, 5400 Linworth Rd. in Columbus, OH.

The memorial service will also be held on Wednesday, September 28 at 3PM at Linworth Road Community Church.

THE STORY:

Hi, I’m Jonathan Maxim, the son of Paul Maxim - a man who spent his life traveling the world, visiting cities and countries from Germany to Mexico to Croatia - giving his time, money, and effort to better the lives of those in need.

He and our Mom would walk through neighborhoods just to build relationships with families in need. Spent his weekends at jail ministries and support groups, regularly taking people in need into their home to make them part of the family as well as hiring former addicts and convicts, helping them get their lives on track. He even helped found a church the year I was born; that church now provides spiritual refuge to over 1,500 members and impacts tens of thousands annually.

He was a healthy 73 year old man, who loved cycling, HIIT workouts, and outdoor sports. On, September 19th, while on a trip with our family, he had an accident while kayaking in a lake that led to his unexpected death. He was found unresponsive in the water, where dear family friends and EMTs attempted to resuscitate him. After about 6 hours in the ER, on Tuesday, September 20 at 12:31AM EST he took his last breath with my mother, his wife of 43 years by his side.

His funeral will be held in Ohio the week of September 26. Details above.

This Fundraiser is to help cover the costs of transporting him back from New York to Ohio, buying a burial plot and headstone, the funeral home, memorial and other required expenses, as well as the ER, hospital visit, medivac and medical costs.

Anything additional will go to helping my mother take care of their special needs son (my brother Ryan) without my father’s full income, as well as manage Paul’s outstanding work obligations & commitments.

If you have ever felt what it feels like to unexpectedly lose a loved one, especially the head of the house, you know how tough this can be. There’s no way to make it easy. But, if we can help my mom reduce a little bit of the fear and pressure that comes from losing a long-time lover and life partner, as well as the unexpected financial liability – that would make us forever grateful.

All of you have asked how to help, and Mom wants you to know she feels totally loved and supported. If you still want to do something, financial contribution would be genuinely helpful.

The all-in cost of a local funeral ranges from $15,000 - $30,000. So, we’re asking those whose life he’s impacted to help his wife and family tackle this. We are being cost-conscious and shooting for the low end of that range. Us kids are helping cover as much as we can as well.

If he impacted you in any way, and you can help, any amount is appreciated and there’s no such thing as a “too-small” donation. Every donation represents a contribution and someone's love.

We are grateful to you all. And to the 200+ people who personally reached out, sending your condolences and lovely words (please be patient for responses). We know that our Dad would have been elated to see everyone coming together in the name of love, and Jesus.

With love,

Johnny, Janet, Lisa, Ryan, Rachel, Abi, David and Justin