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John Michael Fifield, 71, of Salisbury NC passed away on Monday January 16, 2017 at Forsyth Medical Center surrounded his family, and his beloved Dot Dog, and Rusty. John was born on July 1, 1945 in Oakland, CA to the late Johnny Fifield and the late Maxine Gibbs. Mr. Fifield proudly served his country in the United States Navy for over 20 years. He traveled the world and it is a better place for his service.
He served as a Onslow County Deputy Sheriff, then moved on to serve the Jacksonville NC Police Department. He was an avid member of S.A.S.S. (Single Action Shooting Society), he was a member of many of that societies and was proud to be a Texican Ranger and enjoyed gun smithing, black powder shooting. He was also a “Hoodlum” and spent many an hour learning survival techniques from his mentor, Ron Hood. 
His “handles” were “90 North” and “Bad Hand”. He taught classes at Coastal Community College, preparing officers for service and training officers. He worked for several years in the Alaska Tour business. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Murphy Fifield.
He is survived by his wife of eleven years, Lee Strong Fifield of Salisbury; a brother-in-law, Craig Murphy and wife Mary of River Falls, WI. and nephews, Colin Murphy and Stewart Murphy and niece Hannah Murphy. He maintained close friendships in the military, S.A.S.S, the law enforcement community, civic leaders and the press, John never hesitated to assist other agencies throughout the great state of North Carolina.
A service will be held on Friday, Jan 27, 2017, at 1:30 pm, at Jones funeral Home, followed by inurnment at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. Mr. FiField’s family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Richards Coffee Shop (165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115). Richards is a museum and meeting place for veterans and John enjoyed the camaraderie he found there.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury and Jones Funeral Home of Jacksonville is serving the Fifield family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com and www.jonesfh.org.
Jane Penley says
The world was so blessed to have John….a man who lived life with love in his heart for all….the stars in Heaven are shining brighter because he is now there….hugs Lee to you and the ‘furkids’….John will always be in your hearts and by your side…
Janice Reilly says
Lee I am so sorry to hear about John. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Monika Schneider says
We feel we are better people for having known John. We met while working for the same tour company in Alaska. It was our privilege to visit with John and his wife Lee in Texas on a couple of occasions. We will miss John’s friendly manner and wit. He’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.
Paul and Phyllis Starzynski says
Lee what a beautiful write up and beautiful pictures!
May all the past memories give you great comfort and to the beautiful fur babies as well!
Much Love and Prayers
Paul and Phyllis Starzynski
albert balbi says
Lee: Bernice and I stand as we’ll always at ur side and at your service.
Karen, Jesse and Ron Hood says
Lee, our hearts go out to you. We are so happy that we got a chance to get to know both you and John. It was a special time in our lives we will never forget. My son, Jesse, was very sad at the loss and said that he wanted to let you know how much he loved hanging out with you and the donks. I appreciate your mentioning Ron and the Hoodlums in John’s obituary. John was a VERY important and loved Hoodlum. Ron thought the world of John! Hopefully John and Ron are in heaven sharing stories. I know what you are going through. I am here for you if you need me. Love, Karen, Jesse and Ron (in spirit) Hood
Cheryl Smith O'Brien says
Lee, Although I only know you and John thru Facebook you all have given me laughs and inspiration. I admired you both for the love and devotion you shared.. I am so glad you two found each other. If only you could have more time together. You were truly blessed to have had such a great man. I know the next days and months will be difficult. Please feel free to let me know if you need to talk. God be with you.
Cheryl
Christine and Joe says
At this difficult time we extend our deepest sympathies to Lee and the rest of John’s family/friends. He was an incredible man, with a larger than life personality. He impacted the lives of so many with his humor, kind heart and wisdom. He will be missed greatly. Gone but never forgotten. He always said he would fly again!
Judge GeePee (aka Gary Powell) says
You made the Texican Rangers a great SASS club with your knowledge, smile and shooting abilities. Rest in peace my friend.
Grouchy Spike (aka Spike Schamber) says
John will be missed by all who knew him. He was a gentleman of the highest order, a walking encyclopedia, a brilliant conversationalist with a subtle sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to posse with Bad Hand in a cowboy match. Ride tall, Cowboy!
Sheriff Robert Love (aka Eddie Fite) says
I knew John for many years and we shot together many times. He always had a friendly smile and a wry sense of humor. If you wanted to what he thought about something, you didn’t have to ask twice. He will be missed by many.
May God bless you and comfort you.
Tracker Mike aka Mike Linville says
The Old North State Posse gang would like to offer our most heart felt condolences. We only got to know Bad Hand briefly but everyone that interacted with him was looking forward to seeing him as a regular at ONSP. I personally was his initial club contact and got to know a bit more of his story – I will miss him not continuing his participation. Ride easy – see ya down the trail ….
christine perkins marchand says
So very sorry, Lee. Will be keeping you in my heart with prayers, always. I know what a huge space is there now. Will pray for you and John.
Cheryl (Dodd) DeArment says
John and my late father, David Dodd, served in the Navy together..
I got to know him when he started working and the Sheriff’s office.
He was always so kind to me and had something nice to say.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his entire family. He was a great man.
Lucas Lopez says
Dear Fifield Family,
We are sorry for your lost. No doubt John was a great man. May the promise God makes us in John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4 give you comfort and hope during this difficult time.
HMCM Matthew Staden USN (RET) says
I served with HMC Mike Fifield with the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment Camp Geiger at Camp Lejeune NC. When I was a 21 year old HM3. I was the most Jr. Sailor in the BAS with HM3 Jeff Major, We spent 6 months together on the USS Trenton LPD-14 together. Jeff and I, drove mike crazy I’m sure we are one of the reason he retired. I been looking for Mike the last 3 or 4 years even tried to get BUPER to tell me where he was. By the way the first thing he said when I checked in was we have the same birthday 01 July of course I was born in 1959. Sorry for your lost and sorry I was a year late.
Matthew staden says
I’m going to add something, for some reason I remembered in 2/8 they were calling Chief by his middle name Mike. Why I don’t know never asked. Frankly I never called him by his first name I was only allowed to call him Chief. I think he had a different relationship with HM1 McCormack and HM1 George Westcott they were all multi tour Vietnam vets. When we were off Beirut in April-June 1981, they gave the Corpsman their .45 cal hand guns and 10 rounds. Chief was concern that most of us were pretty green less than 4 years. He told the H&S company commander Capt Ken McCabe that we all shoot off the first 5 round getting out of our holster. Chief went up to Chief Mess on the ship and came back with a very large box of .45 rounds must have been 5-10 boxes of 50’s or 25’s in the big box. He said he learned from his first tour of Vietnam to have some extra rounds on hand……After that I knew we were going to be ok…