James Fredrick Mansfield, 86, longtime Malad Valley resident, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, surrounded by family after battling dementia. Jim was born on June 25, 1938, in Malad City, Idaho, the first-born son of Samual James and Irene Gilgen. He was raised and educated in Samaria and had a great love for the Samaria mountains and Iron Door.

After losing his father at the young age of 14, Jim left school to help his mother take care of his younger brothers, Delbert and Brian. He rode his bike to Holbrook and worked for Eliason Farms until he turned 17 and joined the US Navy. He served his country from 1955 to 1959. He took great pride in his time working in the engine room where he eventually lost most of his hearing. He loved talking about his service on the USS Finch and being a cook, peeling tons of potatoes for his fellow shipmates.

After returning from the Navy, Jim married Marilyn Tovey. From that union came their three children, Kevin, Jari, and Ryan. Jim and Marilyn later divorced. He married Doreen Thomas in 1995 and gained four more children, Donny, Andy, Lisa, and Nacona. They enjoyed 30 wonderful years together going hunting, fishing, watching the Utah Jazz, westerns, and rodeos.

Jim enjoyed several careers throughout his life including farming potatoes, delivering newspapers, and greeting patrons at the Oneida Landfill. His greatest love was working for the Idaho State Highway Department where he retired in 1996. He loved spending time with family and friends going camping, fishing and showing off his dance moves. He also loved taking Doreen to the Dude Ranch to enjoy his favorite breaded Cajun chicken as well as karaoke at the Chat n Chew. He was a member of the American Legion Post 65 and Malad Masonic Lodge.

He was very sentimental and patriotic, especially when “Anchors Away” played with tears streaming down his face. He beamed with pride with the mere mention of his mom and kids. He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen, and his 7 children: Jari (Doug) Howell, Moreland, Idaho; Kevin Mansfield, Malad, Idaho; Ryan Mansfield, Malad, Idaho; Donny (Lynnie) Anderson, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Andy Anderson, Ogden, Utah; Lisa (James) Henry, Malad, Idaho; Nacona (Jay) Smith, Malad, Idaho; his two brothers, Delbert (LaRae) Mansfield, Ogden, Utah and Brian Mansfield, American Falls, Idaho;16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, LeAnn, and one grandson, Tyrel Anderson.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 12 in the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. in Malad, Idaho. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday prior to services from 11:00 to 12. Burial will follow in the Malad City Cemetery.

The family would like to give a sincere thank you to the staff at Oneida County Hospital, Heritage Senior Living, and Simbi Hospice for the loving care rendered to Jim during his time of need.