I did not know James Maynard. I am a retired veteran living overseas, and a few nights ago I dreamed I was riding a motorcycle through a small city. A young girl kept calling out to me by his name. When I stopped and took off my helmet, she looked at me and said I wasn't him, that Maynard had died, and that she missed him. She asked me to tell him.

I woke up and searched the name, and found his obituary. The photograph was the same face I saw in the dream.

I have no explanation for it and I am not going to offer one. I only know I was asked to carry a message, and this is the closest I can get to delivering it. She misses him. From what I have read since, a great many people do.

I will be making a prayer for him at a temple here. My condolences to his family and to everyone he taught.

Our condolences and prayers to Mr. Maynard’s family.
He was my nephew’s cross country coach, who came to love and respect him as the best teacher and coach he was! Class 2010 best cross country champions thanks to Mr Maynard! My nephew made it to the best ten times in California! He was the MVP a few times. We all got to meet and respect him! He forever will live in our hearts as we appreciate all the guidance and support he gave to our love one! Rest in peace Mr Maynard!

My deepest sympathies to the extended family of James.  I was a teammate on likely his last Track Team.  He was a welcome addition & was well liked by all.  In addition to being a good runner, his passion for running & coaching was contagious!  Youth running coaching is always in short supply & everyone appreciated his work in that field.  he will be sorely missed.

2018-2019. Students were always drawing on his whiteboard even though he told us not to, but he was nice enough not to erase them until he had to.

Aug. 12 2021. I drew this on his entrance whiteboard before the lockdown, and it stayed up for a long time after.

Mr. Maynard was my highschool biology teacher, and one of those teachers you just never forget. I and my friends would spend our lunches in his classroom doing our own thing, chatting with him, or both, because he had an ability to talk on our level and was genuinely interested in what we had to say. Everybody loved him, whether or not they were in classes, and I for one went out of my way to have him as a teacher multiple times. He told us many stories about his life and experiences, and I always responded he should write an autobiography because it was just that fascinating. He also made it clear he was proud of his children and family, and told us about them too. It feels like the time my friends and I had with him was so short compared to the full life he lived, but that's only a testament to the impact was able to leave on all around him. He will be dearly missed, and my deepest condolences to his family.

Jim taught science at the middle school level and later at Norwalk High School, where he began coaching cross country in 2006 as my assistant coach. That first year, it became clear he had the qualities to lead, and I encouraged him to step into the head coaching role. The following year, he did—but true to who he was, he asked me to continue alongside him as co-head coach. We worked together in cross country and track & field for 15 years.

Jim was one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever known. For 39 years, he ran a sub-five-minute mile—an extraordinary testament to his discipline, consistency, and love for the sport. He also ranked third in the nation at the masters level in the marathon.

More importantly, he inspired others. Year after year, he guided and motivated our athletes, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues.

Jim had a warmth and humor that drew people in, with a quirky, unforgettable laugh. He cared deeply about being a father, teacher, and coach, and approached life with passion and purpose.

He raised two remarkable children - Julia, an EMT pursuing medical school, and Diego, training in the Navy’s nuclear engineering program - both reflections of his character.

Our families shared many years together, including trips to Big Bear that I will always carry with me.

Jim had just retired, and we looked forward to this next chapter with him. Sadly, he is no longer with us.

I was honored to be his friend and will carry him in my heart, always.

—Brian O’Leary

Mr. Maynard was very fond in my household. My brother loved his class in seventh grade at Los Alisos and even got to reconnect when he had him for biology in high school. I was lucky enough to have him for my anatomy and physiology class. He was so genuine and kind, when I told him that my brother was in his class, he knew exactly who he was and that just showed me that he cares for each student he met.  He made every class memorable.  Our whole class loved him for who he naturally was. I don’t think there’s one time I’ve ever saw him upset or angry.  Every day he came into class with a big smile and was excited to teach us.  My condolences go out to his family, he will be missed dearly.

Run with the big dogs your bound to catch their fleas - Coach Maynard

So sad to hear about his passing! He was my Biology teacher my first year at Norwalk high. I was moved to his class half way through the year due to issues with another teacher and he made learning in his class fun. I will always remember him! He was a really good teacher. Rest in peace and my condolences to his family.

Mr. Maynard was one of those teachers you never forget.. He was one of my teachers @ Los Alisos Middle School during a difficult time for me, having lost my Mom a few years before. I wasn't the best behaved kid to say the least but he had patience, it took a lot for him to actually discipline you in any way he was cool like that. I'd have to leave his class to see the school counselor often & he'd meet w/ my Dad to discuss how I was doing, I could tell even then at 12 yrs old that he really cared. I remember him letting some of us stay in his classroom during breaks even though he wasn't supposed to, we'd play cards or board games & just talk. I didn't know him very long just a couple of years but he left a long lasting impression on me & was everything a good teacher should be. My condolences to his family who I remember he would talk about often & even show us pictures of them at his running events, clearly a proud family man.  R.I.P Mr. Maynard

Maynard was a great Bio teacher and Xc coach! I remember whenever I had a hard day, he would pull me up during class and we would watch running videos on his computer, haha. I always appreciated how caring he was towards me, he always made efforts to say hi and ask me how I’m doing. I loved how he could turn an awkward moments into laughter, he would always make little funny jokes. I also appreciated how bunt he was at times but he always told you the truth even if you didn’t wanna here it. You will always be remembered greatly, may you rest in peace.

I knew Maynard from high school, he was in my first year as a biology teacher. I knew right then and there he was the greatest teacher in that year, I learned a lot both wisely about life from him and in studies. He always allowed me and my friends to hang out in his class even if we didn't have him as a teacher anymore but he allowed us no matter what and acted like a great mentor to us all. Thank you for being in our lives James.

Coach Maynard truly cared for his students and athletes. From letting us have lunch in his classroom, to being one of the people who helped me meet with college coaches, to long run XC breakfasts, I am glad I have great memories to remember him by. My condolences to his family.

I  remember Jimmy when he was a baby and I babysat for him. He was a good baby. I remember him before his grandpa died and he would go to motorcycle races with him. He was a smart boy and remembered all the names of all the riders. His life is Springfield was, I think, a happy one. Then he moved to California and it seemed like I lost him. His life was different there.

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to your family during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences. 

Team Mom Vanessa,  Elizabeth and Samantha Romo

So sorry to hear about Jimmy. Craig has the best memories of him playing with all the boy cousins when they were little. I think there were 4 within 3 years.

Something dad instilled within me perhaps a little too well was a strong work ethic. Being frequently lost in my own head I’m remarkably slow. Like the coach he was he physically trained me to be a hard working machine because the bills weren’t going to wait for me to catch up. Wouldn’t be where I am today without it; I’m substantially grateful.

Thanks dad

My condolences, coach Maynard was the best XC coach and mentor I love ever had while in high school. I met my best friend Marco through him and he always pushed me to work harder while training. He was always inclusive and a funny man in general. He will be missed truly Norwalk highs BEST COACH!!! 
Ethan Barum class of 2016

Thoughts and prayers for the family. James was a great person, husband, Dad, teacher and coach, I enjoyed sitting with him at many XC and track meets. I will miss his sense of humor❤️

Maynard had such a huge impact on all of us. I wouldn’t trade the memories from this time for anything.

Anza Borrego Desert State Park.  31 DECEMBER 2015

I am so sorry he was one of the most kind hearted people I knew. I was blessed to grow up with him as a member of my family.

OBITUARY

James Joseph Maynard

December 7, 1967 – May 4, 2026

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