July 10, 2013
Mansfield, James E.
James Ellett “Teddy Bear” Mansfield, a longtime resident of Norwood, died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston. He was 87. James was born November 26, 1925 in San Francisco County, California, a son of Walter E. and Lois B. (Carpenter) Mansfield. He grew up in Walnut Creek, California and spent his childhood summers on the family farm outside Fargo, North Dakota. He served his country in the US Army during World War Two and came back from England to marry Cleta Mae Phillips on June 1, 1946 in Booneville, Arkansas. They were married for over 50 years until her passing in 2000. James worked as an underwriter for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. James and Cleta were members of the United Church in Norwood for over 50 years. He loved football, good food and the time spent with his friends at the Norwood Senior Center. James is survived by his brother, Richard C. Mansfield of California; his nephew Henry D. Phillips, and his wife Pam, of Oklahoma; his godson and best friend, Henry Maddocks, and his wife Susan Donahue, of Norwood, MA; and his caregiver for the last eight years, Moses Musisi. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, July 10th from 9 to 10 AM at the May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood followed by a funeral service at 10 AM at the funeral home with the Reverend Kevin Smith, pastor of the United Church of Norwood, officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery, Norwood.