James Bodiford

James E. Bodiford, Sr., 83, of Mansfield, went to be with his beloved wife, Johanna, on Thursday, July 17, 2014. He had been briefly hospitalized at OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield. Born April 29, 1931 in Barnwell, SC, he was the son of Ansel L. and Gatsey (Black) Bodiford. A 21-year veteran of the US Army, James served in Germany from 1950 to 1959, in South Korea from 1968 to 1969 and worked as an Army recruiter, in Mansfield, from 1963 to 1968. He retired from the Army in 1969 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a member of the Ontario Christian Church as well as the Mansfield Liederkranz and had been the owner/operator of Midway Heating & Cooling. An avid hunter James, in addition to spending time with his “favorite” granddaughter, also enjoyed traveling with Johanna and they more recently visited Europe, Alaska and Tahiti together. He was great at fixing most anything, was always ready to help or give to others and was quick to offer a joke or a funny story to brighten someone’s day.

James was a devoted husband, loving father and a good friend and he is survived by his two sons, James E. Bodiford, Jr. of Boyertown, PA and Stanley A. (Jean) Bodiford of Mansfield; a granddaughter, Monica Bodiford of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Roadell and Roy (Carolyn) Bodiford, both of Barnwell, SC; and a sister-in-law, Thelma Bodiford of Cassatt, SC.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Johanna (Zink) Bodiford on March 31, 2014, brother, Calvin Bodiford, sister, Juanita Bodiford and sister-in-law, Shizuko (Miyazato) Bodiford.

A memorial service celebrating James’ life will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Ontario Christian Church, 1029 Lewis Rd., Ontario. Pastor Randy Allen will conduct the service. The family invites everyone to attend a meal and enjoy fellowship at the church, immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers and other expressions of condolence, James’ family requests and thanks you for considering a memorial contribution to either the “American Kidney Fund” or “Army Emergency Relief”.