James Emery Mayfield

James E. Mayfield, 81, of China Spring, died Saturday afternoon, February 4, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his family, ending his 14 month struggle with cancer.

Visitation: 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 10th at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, in Waco.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7201 Viking Drive, in Waco with Bishop Aaron Blackwelder officiating.

Burial: Wortham Bend Cemetery in China Spring

James was born November 23, 1935 to Daniel Ernest Mayfield, Sr. and Beulah Maye McGuire Mayfield. Both of his parents were deaf. James had an older brother, Dan Jr., younger sister, Jeannette and a younger brother, Alan.

James grew up in Waco and attended Sanger Avenue Elementary, West Junior High School and Waco High School. He also attended Tarleton State University and the University of Texas in Austin. He was a Marine and served in the Military Police. He married Carmen Pace and they have two children.

He worked as a Real Estate Broker in Austin until 1968 when he sustained a serious brain injury. His mother took care of him from 1968 until she no longer was able. He moved to his brother Alan’s home next door in 2002, shortly before his Mother’s death. He remained with Robin and Alan for most of the duration of his life. James was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As a young man and a young adult, James liked to hunt and drive fast flashy cars. After his injury, he enjoyed television, playing cards, checkers and eating out. He especially enjoyed ice cream, Coca Cola, Mr. Goodbar’s and thick butter sandwiches.

For decades, he attended Friends for Life Adult Daycare where he was loved and where he ate well and was well entertained. This past year, James spent about 8 months in Sodalis, an Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. The staff at Sodalis gave him the very best care. He spent his last few months at home with Alan, Robin and Vinnie.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Ernest Mayfield, Sr. and Beulah Maye McGuire Mayfield; and his older brother, Daniel Ernest Mayfield, Jr.

James is survived by his daughter, Gina D. Mayfield and spouse, Chris Cahill; his son, James Michael “Mike” Mayfield and their mother, Carmen Austin all of Austin. He is also survived by his sister, Jeannette Mayfield Kelley and her husband, John of Temple; his brother, Judge Alan Mayfield and his wife, Robin of China Spring; his sister-in-law, Beverly Mayfield of Waco; many nephews, nieces, great- nephews and great- nieces; and many cousins.

Pallbearers will be James Michael “Mike” Mayfield, Brigham Mayfield, Nick Mayfield, Dan Mayfield, III, Chris Gropp, James Kirkham, Don Sampson and Larry Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers will be John D. Mayfield, III, Jerry McDonald and Wilson Fife.

The Mayfield family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the compassionate ladies of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their wonderful food and kind sharing hearts; his friends and caregivers at Friends for Life for many years of TLC; the Bluebonnet Hospice Staff who jumped in so quickly to relieve his pain in his last days and helped the family cope; the staff of Sodalis who loved and appreciated James and who got him walking again; the many therapists that worked with James, including Charla, Cindi, Angie and Michelle of Providence Home Health Care; and his many personal caretakers that watched over him and saw to his every wish and his every need over the past year of life including, Lorene Benn, Lois Rollins, Brenda Rose, Angelita Garcia, Sherry Harris, Tawanda Harris, Nick Mayfield, Jerriniqua “NeNe” Alexander, Norma Marez, Steve Brady, Carolyn Hinton, Wanda and Wilma.

In lieu of floral arrangements, please consider a memorial contribution in James’ memory to Friends for Life.

Contact Information:

Place of Service: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints , 7201 Viking Drive; Waco, TX 76710