James (Jim) William Mayfield, 50, of LaPlata, Missouri passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at his home. James was born on December 20, 1973 in Morris, Illinois.

He was the son of Randy Mayfield of Brashear, Missouri and Elizabeth Vest of Huntsville, Missouri. James graduated from Reed-Custer High School in Braidwood, IL. He went on to serve in the United States Army in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia. During his nine years of service, James was awarded several commendation medals. Following his military career, he proudly studied at DeVry University obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, an area in which he excelled and was passionate about. In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, James was married on April 29, 2000 to his true love, Erica (née Gardner).

He was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, father, and grandfather. James is remembered by his sense of humor and quick wit. His kind and gentle nature was evident through his love of dogs, specifically his beloved dog, Midnight.

James was survived in death by his wife, Erica Mayfield of La Plata, MO; father, Randy Mayfield and stepmother, Barbara Mayfield, of Brashear, MO; and mother, Elizabeth Vest of Huntsville, MO. Also survived by siblings Robert Mayfield and wife, Leigha, of Brashear, MO, John Mayfield and wife, Melissa, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Shannon Arnold, and husband Matthew of Columbia, MO. James was survived by children Jacob Fowler and wife, Teresa, of Arnold, MO, Nicholas Fowler and wife, Lauren, of St. Charles, MO, Alaine Beeler and husband, Damian, of Toledo, OH, Aaron Fowler of Columbia, MO, and Stephanie Littleton of Norman, OK. James had 14 grandchildren. He had a large family and was also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond (Sarge) Mayfield, grandmother, Margaretta (Maggie) Mayfield, grandfather William Vest and grandmother, Edisa Vest; several aunts and uncles; one nephew and one grandchild.

Visitation will be held at Travis-Noe Funeral home, located at 1008 W. Potter, Ave. Kirksville, MO, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am with a veteran’s memorial service to follow at 12:00 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, located at 1479
County Rd 1675, Jacksonville, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Field of Dreams Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 206, Kirksville, MO 63501 or through the website at www.fodrescue.org. They may also be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.