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July 3, 1961-Sept. 7, 2026
Harrisonville, Mo.
James Mayfield, 65, Harrisonville, MO, formerly of Burlington, ND, died September 7, 2026, in a Harrisonville, MO hospital.
James "Jim" Otha Mayfield was born July 3, 1961 to Earnest and Elnora (Bridegroom) Mayfield at the Keesler U.S. Air Force Hospital in Biloxi, MS. The youngest of nine children; he moved with his family to Grandview, MO in 1967. He graduated from Grandview High School in 1979, where he excelled in music and sports.
Jim met Lori (Ely) while they worked at the Nazarene Publishing House in Kansas City, MO. Their first date was August 17, 1979, and they married April 9, 1983 in Long Beach, CA. He attended MidAmerica and Point Loma Nazarene Universities. Jim enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1982, served at Minot Air Force Base, and was honorably discharged after four years. He later served part-time in the Army National Guard in Bismarck and Minot. Jim and Lori made their home in Minot and later Burlington, ND, where they raised Jason and Louisha.
Jim had various jobs, but his favorites were working with close friends. He served as a custodian, assisted with computer technology, coached basketball, and refereed at Bell Elementary School alongside William Bender. He also enjoyed cooking at Captain's Cove with his friend Jerry Martin.
Music was one of Jim's lifelong passions. He played guitar and piano, wrote songs, and was known for his rich bass/baritone voice. He performed with the Mouse River Players, Burlington Community Choir and various gospel groups. Most recently he sang and travelled with The Replacements for about 10 years, a local favorite at the Frozen Fingers Music Festival and Norsk Hostfest. At Home Church of the Nazarene, formerly Minot First Church of the Nazarene, he sang, led music, supported sound and children's ministries, served as a youth leader and helped build the church addition.
Jim also loved sports. He became a devoted Chiefs and Royals fan as a young boy living in the Kansas City area. Some of our favorite family memories have been made cheering on our Chiefs at home and at Arrowhead Stadium. He played church league basketball, volleyball at Lucy’s Amusement Park and nearly 30 years with the same men's softball team. For more than 30 years, he coached youth basketball and baseball, refereed basketball and umpired baseball. He especially cherished the opportunity to coach his children and grandchildren and was their biggest cheerleader.
Jim loved camping and fishing with his family and friends. He adored his grandchildren with “Grandpa Proud” being his favorite saying. But most of all, he loved the Lord and wanted everyone to know what God had done for him. His bright smile and contagious laugh will be deeply missed.
Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lori; son, Jason (Tonya) Mayfield; daughter, Louisha (Shane) Emineth; grandchildren, Isaac, Lucas and Samantha Mayfield, Acaia, Eli and Everett Emineth; sisters, Earnestine Osborn, Carolyn Holloway, Nelda Huffman and Bonita Ledzius; father- and mother-in-law Rev. Joseph and Marie Ely; several sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and extended family, Becky Bissett and Karley (Logan) Kiefer and their three daughters.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; brothers, William, Charles, Darrell and Daniel; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and extended family, Chuck and Jean Bellman.
A Celebration of Life will be held on November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Home Church of the Nazarene, Minot. A private burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamily funeralhome.com.
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 7, 2026.