Charles Martin Maxie
November 2, 1941 - May 5, 2015
Obituary
Charles Martin Maxie was born on November 2, 1941, in Elks City, Oklahoma to Cleveland Maxie and Reba (Maxie) Jackson. On May 5, 2015, Charles Maxie died at the age 73.
Charles lived in Amarillo, Texas where he and his siblings were baptized Catholics at St. Martin dePorres Chapel in Amarillo, Texas in the year of 1943. As a child, Charles moved to Seattle Washington with his family and attended Immaculate Conception Church and Elementary School. He later attended O’Dea High School, where he was elected Student Body President. Charles was also a standout four sport letterman. He excelled in track & field, baseball, basketball, and football, the sport that gave him the most recognition and his lifelong nickname “Choo Choo”. After High school he attended Hartnell Jr College in Salinas, California where he was a star Running Back on the Hartnell Panthers football team.
Charles was a member of the National Young Democrats and later he ran for Seattle’s Port Commissioner. He is most remembered for his work as Director of the Seattle Urban League’s On-The-Job (OJT) training program where he worked alongside Edwin Pratt. Under Charles’ leadership the program received multiple national awards for their successful job training and job placements. His goal was to get people of color jobs in positions where historically they would not have been given the opportunity. In addition to his work in the community, Charles coached football and basketball at Seattle’s O’Dea High School. He was a strong supporter of the UW Huskies athletic program. Charles assisted young African American Husky athletes with their transition to the Seattle area by providing life skills counseling, including them in local social events and, attending their athletic endeavors.
Charles loved to barbeque, play and watch sports, socialize with friends and family, and listen to good music. He is loved by many and respected by those whose lives he touched throughout his lifetime.
Charles is survived by his two Sisters Peggy Joan and Marcia D, brother Fred L, children Tanya Mardelle and Jean-Charles (J.C.), his grandchildren: Terence Charles, Jean’ Charles, Dominique Jovan, Cairo Joi, Jaylen Marquez, Donte’ Treyvon, his great-grandson Ja’quori Elijah … and many cousins and extended family members.
Gods backfield is set. Reunited with (Uncle) Edrie Belt ran. Partners in crime! The welcoming committee must be amazing! Comfort to you Auntie Peggy, Uncle Fred and JC from the entire Beltran/Felix family.
good bye charlie
Sorry for your loss. I did not know him well, but I was a classmate at O’Dea.
Charles and I played against one another for 4 years (Prep v. Odea) in football and baseball. I wasn’t good enough or fast enough to play basketball or track. Charles was a great competitor and a leader at ODea. His talents will always be remembered. Another great example of the Christian Brothers’ educational talents. Our prayers are with the family at this time.
I can remember when “Maxie” would come over to our house on the Mountlake Canal and hang out with my brother Bob Moskal. I am sure that Bob was greeting “Maxie” with a big “High-Five”and a hug when he arrived in heaven.
Ethel Rose Moskal Shea
Mr. Maxie was an excellent role model and teacher for the young men at O’Dea and always had time and sage advice to share. Over the years it was always nice to see him And I was amazed that he remembered myself and my classmates. Charley lived a life that mattered and I will keep him in my prayers.
Charles was one of my coworkers at the Urban League under Ed Pratt. Then, as now, job development was one of the prime issues, and Charles was an effective advocate.
My condolences to the family.
The family of Capital Hill/Yesler Terrace climbers loses another voice.
I played Little League and Babe Ruth baseball with Charles. I would walk to his house and go practice at Broadway Playfield. We had such a great time together. He was always an inspiration for me. I send my deepest sympathy to the family and know that the Lord is taking care of him.
Unfortunately, I just heard about Charlie’s passing this past weekend at the service of Ralph Saxton, a former Seattle Prep Quarterback, who was also one of the great gridiron warriors in the CYO league in Seattle. I played at Blanchet, a new school in the Catholic league and the old Western Conference. We ended up playing O’Dea and Prep twice a year and they were always classic battles on the raw sand field of Catholic Memorial. I was a couple of years behind Ralph and one behind Charlie. You knew you had played a game after battling with both of these players. Tough, smart, all heart, and a burning desire to run over you. When I remember Charlie, I think of a young Beast Mode. A lot of guys on our team did not want to take him on, which often left me no choice ? I learned a lot about competing as a result of our games with these respected warriors, and these went a long way to help shape me as a player and teammate. Charlie and Ralph both loved their teams and their schools and over the years served a great examples for those who followed. Both will be missed in our community and my prayers go out to their families who will always be touched by the lessons they left behind. God bless, boys!!
I played with Charles at Hartnell College in 1960. We were undefeated and are being inducted into the Hartnell Hall of Fame This November 2, 2019. Charles was a great person and a wonderful team mate. He was a special athlete and I have very good memories of Charles and Fred.