James Douglas Maze

James (Jim, JD) Douglas Maze of Jackson, Tennessee passed away on Oct 12, 2024, after a short illness. James passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family.

James was born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma on Aug 9, 1943, but spent the majority of his youth on a farm in Iantha, Missouri. As a child James excelled in baseball, track and basketball and earned a college basketball scholarship to Iola, Kansas. 
James was drafted into the army for the Vietnam War attaining the rank of corporal. After being discharged he returned to Missouri to farm. James later moved to Fort Smith and then Hot Springs, Arkansas to work in the construction field. James received a job offer from R. Jones Underground and settled down in Jackson, Tennessee. James worked for R. Jones Underground for 25+ years retiring as their Senior Forman.

James enjoyed pinochle, hunting, fishing and gardening but after retiring he became very active in competition archery. He was the Archery Chair for the Southwest District Senior Olympics and Tennessee State Senior Olympics. He was also a member of the Southwest Advisory Board. He competed and won gold, silver and bronze medals in the Tennessee Senior Olympics and the National Senior Olympics.

James’s favorite pass time was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. It was very rare for him to miss one of his grandchildren’s activities.
He will be missed by family and friends.

James was proceeded in death by his parents Vern and Naomi Maze of Iantha, Missouri. He is survived by 2 sister and 1 brother. Sisters; Guin Maze (Roy) Thomasson of Kansas City, Missouri. Marylin Maze (Bob) Shore of Lynn Creek, Missouri. Brother; Bryon and Nancy Maze of Fort Scott, Kansas. 4 children; Jay and Aletha Maze of Greenwood Arkansas. Brandy Maze and Jack Ferguson of Golden Colorado. Wendy Maze of Jackson Tennessee. Heather Maze and Chris Ford of Jackson Tennessee. 7 grandchildren; Jacob and Joshua Maze of Greenwood Arkansas, Darius Ford and Madison Moore of Jackson Tennessee, Zoie Ford of Jackson Tennessee, Amaiya Maze of Jackson Tennessee, Jackson and Olive Ferguson of Golden Colorado. 1 great grandchild; Kason Ford of Jackson Tennessee and many other loving family members.

The family would like to thank West Tennessee Rehabilitation Hospital and Jackson- Madison county General Hospital for all the wonderful care that James received for the short time he was there. 

In lieu of flowers donations in James’s name can be made to the 2 organization below:
South Jackson Community Center Ph# 731-425-8614
Southwest Tennessee Archers Ph# 731-610-0917

On Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2 PM, the senior Olympics will have a memorial in James‘s honor at the S. Jackson Community Center, 412 Bolivar Highway (Malesus Park)aMAZEing.