James A. Field, Jr.

James Alfred Field, Jr., 84, a tinsmith by trade and tinkerer by hobby, died peacefully March 2, 2021 at his home in Potterville. Born September 18, 1936 to James and Beryle (Page) Field Sr., James grew up learning about the importance of family, working hard, and being a good neighbor and friend. He graduated from Potterville High School in 1956, then enlisted in the Army and served in Germany where he met his future wife, Hildegard. They were married in 1959 and spent many wonderful years together, raising their family and enjoying life to the fullest.
During his career as a tinsmith, James started at Diamond REO, and later helped establish Spartan Motors in Charlotte. Over the years, James worked on some very notable projects, including rebuilding the Wright barn in Potterville, masonry work on the Charlotte Junior High School pool, building a dune buggy for his family from scrap parts of cars, and most notably to his family, tinkering to create helpful conveniences for his wife to help around the house. James and his father also built a family cottage on Silver Lake, where the family spent every weekend for many years.
A great friend and neighbor, James enjoyed building pig roasters for Fred Spears and giving them interesting names…ranging from Petunia’s Delight to Kermit’s Last Love. There were many local pig roasts prepared on Jim’s creations. James was a kind man, if you were in need, he would always find a way to help. He was an early adopter of the “pay it forward” philosophy. James also enjoyed Friday night bowling leagues, loved to golf, and time spent woodworking to make furniture for their home, as well as working on their cars in his garage.
James is survived by his children, Edward (Sheila) Field, and Pam (Bill) Haviland; grandchildren, Edward Field Jr., and Jennifer (Will) Haviland-King; great-grandchildren, Carter James Field and “Little Bean” who is on the way; siblings, John (Robin) Field, Judy (Wayne) Calnan; sister-in-law Judy Field; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Hildegard in 2005; brother, Jack Field in 2021; father, James Field Sr. in 1980; and mother, Beryle (Page) Field in 1958.
Friends are encouraged to support James’s family at visitation and funeral services, or by sharing memories on his tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, March 5, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Father Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton Community Palliative Care.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.