Harold James Fields Jr.

Harold was born at his grandmother’s home in Scammon, KS on January 10, 1921. Harold was the oldest child of Harold and Margaret Fields. Upon his birth, he wasn’t breathing and the doctor thought he hadn’t survived. The doctor then turned his attention to the mother leaving Harold’s grandmother to deal with the baby. His grandmother picked up the lifeless baby and placed him in her oven, which acted as an incubator. The baby responded and started breathing on his own and kept breathing for over 94 years. Thus began the apropos (code for hard headed) life of Harold Fields.

Harold grew up a staunch Catholic, which he remained steadfast to his entire life. As a child of the depression, Harold grew up performing a variety of jobs. This included, starting at age 14, driving a local couple that were friends of the family all around the Midwest during the summers. Harold didn’t let the fact that when he started doing this he had never driven a car. He needed the money and figured he would learn quickly. Hard-headed. In late 1942, Harold met the love of his life, Wilma, on a date set up by his Aunt Hilary. Wilma and Harold were married in February 1943 after a whirlwind romance. Their marriage lasted 69 years until Wilma’s death in 2012.

Harold was a Navy Veteran serving as an Aviation Metalsmith in California and Arizona during WWII. After the war he worked at a couple of jobs before starting his career with General Motors. He spent his entire 34 years at the Fairfax Plant in Kansas City, KS. He retired in 1986 as the hourly employment supervisor of the plant.

Harold loved people and never met a stranger (much to his children’s chagrin). He loved sports and was a basketball and baseball coach for his son. He enjoyed playing golf and loved to read. He was a volunteer leader for Junior Achievement and a member of the Overland Trailblazers and was active in the Church of St. Ann in Prairie Village for over 50 years. Later in life, Harold developed macular degeneration, robbing him of his eyesight. He never said, “why me,” he just dealt with it. As Harold once said, “Thank God I remembered to say my prayers daily. I know that I was an ornery son of a gun all my life but lately I’ve been pretty good.” To which Wilma responded, “You needed them (prayers) more than anybody else.” Well Harold, you were indeed pretty good.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe and Gene Fields; and son-in-law, Michael Denton. He is survived by children: Cynthia Denton, Barbara (Dale) Wood, and Philip (Abbey) Fields. He leaves grandchildren, Scott Wood (Brooke), Patrick Denton (Maggie), Dr. Tim Wood (Jillian), Peter Fields, Ted Fields and sister, Phyllis Fry. The family would like to thank the staff at Garden Terrace for the care and respect they gave Harold for the past three years. Special thanks go out to Erin, Josh, Sarah, Michael, Les, Dr. Hodges, Lindy and Julie. Memorial contributions should be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of KC, 3846 W. 75th St., Prairie Village, KS 66208.