James E. Mayfield

On March 17, 1950, Paul Mayfield and Rosie Lee Mayfield had the honor of welcoming James Edward Mayfield into the world. James was born in Forest, Mississippi and was one of nine children born to the Mayfield family.

The Mayfield’s moved to Palm Springs, California in 1955 where James received his high school education at Palm Springs High School. At an early age, James was a true workaholic. From selling newspapers, before the age of ten, to prepping food at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery, to working in the produce department at Mayfair Market as a young adult.
When James was not working, you could find him driving a fast car down the highway or riding a buckskin horse in the hot desert. Name any Western films and James has seen it, probably twice. He was a true cowboy at heart.

In 1978, James fell in love at first sight when he laid eyes on Johnnie Mae Brown. Shortly after he moved to Portland, Oregon where they married in 1979. For more than 20 years, James worked at Fred Meyer and became the produce manager at several locations, before retiring. He was also co-owner of a beauty salon, J-Kurls & Company, with his wife, Johnnie Mae. The salon was home for many community events and celebrations.

James accepted Christ at an early age and was devoted to his faith. Once settled in Portland, James became a deacon and part of the men’s choir at the Community Church of God. If you had the opportunity to be in his presence, you were blessed. James was known for his tasty barbecue ribs, calm and composed spirit, stress-free attitude, giving heart, and love for community service.

From volunteering as the community advisor for the Leisure Hour Jr. Golf Program, to packing food for those in need at the food bank, to becoming the treasurer for the African American Men’s Club. If you needed a helping hand James was there.
James is survived by his wife Johnnie Mae, six children: James Mayfield, Portland,OR; Brian Mayfield, Indio, CA; Felicia Poe, Derrick Mayfield, Jason Mayfield (Destinee), and Jaimee Fox (Jamal), Portland, OR.

James is also survived by two brothers: Joe Mayfield (Leury), Portland, OR; Bennie Mayfield (Cora), Riverside, CA; brother in love Joe Abner (Vera), Palm Springs, CA; three sisters: Dorothy Tucker (Michael), Betty Taylor (Richard), Riverside, CA; Debra Mayfield, Palm Springs, CA; sister in love Nedra Miller (Randy), Oregon City, OR. Twenty grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Proceeding him in eternal life are his brothers: Willie C., Paul Jr., and Michael; and sister Marvella Mitchell.

Through his words and actions, James taught us how to celebrate life and be thankful for what we have. Remember to live your life from his teachings and understand that he is always with us. Please continue to be a light to others as he has been a shining light to us all.

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