Obituary of James A Schneider

James A. “Waxie” Schneider, 72, of Londonderry, NH, formerly of North Reading and Woburn, passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, February 9. He was the husband of the late Helen (Sindoni) Schneider, who died in 2010. Raised in Woburn, “Waxie” as he was known to his family and friends, was the son of the late William G. Schneider, and the late Jean E. (Gray) Schneider. He was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1966. Waxie had a lifelong passion for cars. He owned and operated an auto repair shop on Salem Street in Woburn for many years, until 1996. In 1986, Waxie participated in “The Great American Race” from California to the Statue of Liberty in his 1927 Model-T Roadster, “The Boston ‘T’ Party” which he built. In 1987, he participated in the cross-country race again racing from California to Disney World in Florida. In his younger years, Waxie also raced cars at the New England Dragway in Epping; and the New Hampshire Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire. Waxie not only loved antique cars, but he also enjoyed spending time searching antique shops and antiquing with his late wife Helen. He frequently attended car shows and outdoor flea markets with his brother Charlie buying and selling auto parts. He enjoyed having gatherings for family and friends at his home in North Reading. Waxie is survived by his daughter, Jane E. Schneider of Londonderry, NH; and his step-daughter, Cheryl-Ann Moody of Andover, and his stepson, Dennis G. Moody of Arundel, Maine; and he was preceded in death by his stepson, the late Jason D. Moody of Andover. He is also survived by his siblings, Robert W. Schneider and his wife Diane of Reading, Barbara J. Wiseman and her husband Edward of Andover, Janet M. Rabbitt and her husband William of Woburn, Richard B. Schneider of Wilmington, Susan E. Sullivan of Woburn; and he was preceded in death by one brother, the late Charles F. Schneider. Waxie is further survived by many nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Tuesday, February 18 from 4-8 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 19 at 10:00 am, followed by burial at the Wildwood Cemetery in Winchester. Contributions in Waxie’s memory may be made to the MSPCA Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844; or the Woburn Public Library, 45 Pleasant St., Woburn, MA 01801.