James Ison

James Ison, 76, of Mansfield, died Saturday, October 23, 2010 at his residence after an extended illness. Born May 20, 1934 in Fultz, Kentucky, he was the son of Oscar and Virgie Mae Hill Ison. A member of Dean Road Free Will Baptist Church since 1974, James loved his church family and gospel music. He had read the Bible 21 times and could quote many verses. James was considered a Jack of all trades and enjoyed fishing. A workaholic, he retired from AK steel after 37 years. James was a loving and devoted father and family man. To James there were two things that were the most important to him: first, God and his home in heaven, and second, his wife and children.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mildred Holbrook Ison of Mansfield; son, David Tenna Ison of Mansfield; daughters, Debbie Dean Sparks, Rose John Oakley, and Lisa Albert Carter, Jr., all of Mansfield; grandchildren, Chandra Ison, Matthew Dramelia Ison, Cody Ison, Brandon Ison, Jamie Sparks, Will Sparks, Josh Teresa Oakley, Johnny Oakley, Jessie Oakley and special grandchild, Miss Mya Carter; six great grandchildren, Cameron, Lilianna, Scarlett, Ethan, Dominick, and special great grandchild, Jamie Marie Sparks; sisters, Loretta Jim Martin and Barb Jim Horton, both of Fultz, KY; and brothers, Richard Sue Ison, Glenn Bobbie Ison, Phillip Ison, and Denny Joninice Ison, all of Fultz, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Louise Mennach, Geneva Hamilton, Hattie Jane Tussey, Ernestein Grooms, and Lottie Mae Blevins.

Friends may call Wednesday, October 27, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dean Road Free Will Baptist Church, 1169 Mill Rd., Mansfield, conducted by Rev. Clifford Earl Tackett. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dean Road Freewill Baptist Church.