James Daton Mayfield, 76, of Huntsville AL passed away on August 23, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Erna Maria Mayfield, the love of his life for 43 years. They met and married in Bad Neustadt Germany in 1976. He can now spend eternity with her.
Jim was born in Tacoma, WA. He graduated from James Blair High School in Williamsburg VA. He served in the US Army for 20 years, retiring in 1988. He served in Vietnam and Germany as a linguist for the Army being fluent in German, Vietnamese, and Polish. After retiring from the Army, he worked for the federal government at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as a scientific librarian until he retired in 2020 after 31 years of service. Jim was known for telling stories of his many exploits during his lifetime, his dry humor, and the joy of playing his guitar.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Bullard Mayfield and father, Gerald James Mayfield. He is survived by his sisters, Debbie J. Mayfield of Pfafftown, NC, Sandra K. Mayfield of Spring Grove, VA and Patricia A. Williams and her husband, Keith Williams, of Williamsburg VA; brother, Lloyd D Mayfield; nieces, Sarah Schultz of Orlando FL and Sherri Pace of Martinsville VA; nephews, William Johnston of Newport News VA, David Schultz of Pfafftown, NC, and Thomas K Williams, Jr of Williamsburg, VA; and great nephew, Barrett Sosa of Orlando FL.
The family will be receiving visitors at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Ave, Huntsville AL on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Final interment and service will be scheduled at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington VA.
For individuals wanting to donate in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to VFW Post 2702 PO Box 3323 Huntsville AL 35810 which provided assistance and ministry to him during his declining health.
