James Pearson Mayfield, Jr.

James Pearson Mayfield Jr. passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on January 3, 2024.  He was born February 3,1944, to James Pearson and Estelle McBride Mayfield in Attala County, Mississippi. Visitation will be at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 6, at Oliver Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will begin at 1:00 in the Oliver Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow in the Old Plank Cemetery in Carroll County.  Dr. Charlie Long and Reverend Jerry Tate will officiate.

James attended Carmack School and graduated from Vaiden High School in 1962.  He received his accounting degree from Delta State College in 1966.  While at Delta State he married his high school sweetheart Martina Palmertree.  Upon graduation they made their home in Madison Mississippi.  James began his career as a cost accountant for Mississippi Industries for the Blind and then served the state employees of Mississippi for 25 years at the Public Employees Retirement System.  While at PERS James worked closely with State Legislators to pass legislation to protect the cost of living adjustment formula for State Retirees.

James was civic minded and was active in what was a small town of Madison at the time. He was a member of the Madison Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of Civitan and Rotary Club over the years.  He chaperoned many of Dana’s school trips and Girl Scout trips over the years. He continued to participate in various community projects in Attala and Carroll counties after his retirement.

In 1991 James retired from PERS, and in 1994 he and Martina moved back “home” to Carroll County to care for Martina’s mother.

James enjoyed the opportunity to travel to many states with his family, including a “men’s” trip to the Grand Canyon. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Heber Springs, Arkansas and fly fishing on the Little Red River.

He found his greatest enjoyment in being “Pops” to his one and only grandchild. Pops was always excited to hear of “Little James'” endeavors and activities and was quick to encourage and support him in any way that he could.

James grew up worshipping the Lord at North Union Methodist Church in Attala County.  He was later baptized in the Baptist Church and jokingly said what the Methodists did not wet, the Baptists covered. He was a member of West Baptist Church in West, Mississippi.

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Martina, and his sister Patricia Filgo.

He is survived by his daughter Dana and her husband Mark, his grandson James Marcus Moore, nephew Dr. Bob Filgo (Courtney), his niece Trish Smith (Warren), and his great nieces Wesley, Wenston, and Willa Filgo.

Pallbearers will be James Marcus Moore, Dr. Bob Filgo, Warren Smith, David Butler, John Butler, and Robert Butler. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Staten, Charlie Staten, and Billy Joe Ferguson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Old Plank Cemetery Fund, 36 CR 3, Vaiden, MS 39176 or to West Baptist Church, PO Box 55, West, MS 39192.