James Paul Mansfield Sr. (Jim, Jimmy, or Iron Otter), 58 years old of Woodbury, CT, died July 25th, 2008 in Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center due to complications arising from Acute Myelogenous Leukemia.

Born September 11, 1949 in Waterbury, CT, he grew up and lived in Woodbury, CT. Although his varied work experiences saw him breeding cattle, working for various manufacturers, and even running a mink farm, James spent most of his professional life practicing as an ASE Certified Master Mechanic. After working as the Maintenance Supervisor for Heritage Village in Southbury, CT, he took a job at Northeast Utilities from which he retired as Chief Mechanic for the Newtown, CT facility after being with the company for fourteen years.

A descendant of Massasoit of the Wampanoag Nation, James was proud of his Native American heritage. He was skilled in fishing and trapping, and he was adept at creating with his hands. He was also a published poet with a love for music and sports.

James was the third child born to Paul and Pauline Mansfield also of Woodbury. His father, Paul, passed on in 2006, and his mother, Pauline now lives in Rome, GA. Aside from his wife, Laurie, his three children, James Jr., Jonathan, and Amelia (Kate), James also leaves behind ten brothers and sisters and many, many nieces and nephews.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hope Lodge New York City, 132 West 32nd St., New York, NY 10021 or to the American Cancer Society online at www.cancer.org via the Donate Now link.

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Woodbury

Services: A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 1st at 11am at St. Paul's Church, Main Street South in Woodbury. Following the service, there will be a service at the graveside in the New North Cemetery.

Visitation: Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31st from 6pm until 9pm at Munson -Lovetere Funeral Home, 2 School Street in Woodbury.