James Kenneth Mansfield, 91, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away, Thursday, June 30, 2016 at Bridge Hospice in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Jim, as he was commonly known, was born in Fostoria, Ohio on April 2, 1925 to the late Elmer Mansfield and Ethel (Oyler) Peck.
Jim is survived by his best friend: Carlos Bautista who was not only a good friend to Jim but more like a son; Special Niece: Signe (Jerry) Aufdencamp, of Columbus, Ohio along with a host of nieces and nephews. Along with his father and mother; Jim was preceded in death by his stepfather: Maurice Peck and sisters: Alyce Florea and Faye Atkinson Wolfe.
Jim was a graduate of Fostoria High School and The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Jim was a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Mann Funeral Home, Fostoria, Ohio and Gunder Funeral Home in Marion, Ohio. His professional career also included The Medical College of Ohio Department of Anatomy where he was the Body Donation Program Director & Embalmer until his retirement in 1992. Jim along with the former President of the Medical College of Ohio Dr. Ruppert worked closely with the Ohio Governor to oversee the AIDS Task Force for the State of Ohio.
Jim founded the Bowling Green Breakfast Kiwanis club and served in a State wide capacity as Lieutenant Governor. Jim was also active in The American Guild of Organists, The National Funeral Directors Association and The Ohio Association of Funeral Directors. Jim was also honored by the Ohio Funeral Directors Association for 50 years of Service as a Funeral Director.
Jim loved music and frequently attended Toledo Symphony performances and other area musical concerts. He donated portions of his Playbills to BGSU. He loved to tell his story of a childhood meeting with composer Cole Porter on his grandmother’s front porch in Castalia, Ohio. Another favorite was being swept, by a stranger, into a covered stairway on Main Street in Fostoria, Ohio as the John Dillenger Gang robbed a bank in Fostoria.
Memorial Contributions in Jims honor may be given to either the Toledo Symphony or to the Bowling Green Salvation Army.
Per Jim’s wishes Funeral Services will be private for his close friends and family. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted with the DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1460 W. Wooster Street/P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Tele: 419-352-2171. www.hannemanfh.com
