Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Jim Spero Obituary
Jim Spero of Phoenix Arizona passed away Tuesday June 13, 2017 at the the age of 88. Jim Spero is survived by his wife Gail Spero and surviving children Judith Spero and Christina Spero. Stepchildren Lisa Ameis and James Coleman his brother Richard Spero and Cousin Louis Spero. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. Jim served in the US Army for 4 years. He was stationed in France and Germany . After leaving the Army Jim pursued a career in Broadcasting in Phoenix Arizona. He worked for several Radio Stations and his unique style of Broadcasting put him in a category all its own. Memorial services will be held at Best Funeral Services 501 East Dunlap Avenue Phoenix. Arizona 85020.The service will be at 12 noon on Thursday June 22.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jim Spero
Sponsored by Best Funeral Services Phoenix North Central Chapel.
D.Lease
April 11, 2025
A popular disc jockey on Coolidge station, KCKY,in the late 1950's. Along side of Waylon Jennings, at the time,and Jim Garchow.
Sandy
November 5, 2023
I grew up listening to Jim Spero on KRUX then later on KUPD with Paul B Munt. I was in the Air Force stationed in Turkey and heard Paul B Munt Jr on Armed Forces Radio Network. Later Jim Spero had a late night TV show ala Johnny Carson. He was ahead of his time on radio God Bless
Anthony Salvatore Hall
August 19, 2023
Jim you were amazing to listen to on Phoenix radio airwaves when I was a young boy in the 70's. Thanks for all you did Sir and may you always Rest In Peace. Condolences to all your Family.
Carl Miller
June 26, 2022
I´m just now finding this obit notice ... but, in tribute to Jim Spero ... i owe my now almost 50 years in radio to Jim. Don´t think we ever met, but in my early teens, growing up in Phoenix, I frequently rode my bicycle from 24th Street & Central Avenue, just north of Thomas to sit outside the window of the radio station in a bank building across of Central Park (the out door mall in the 1950-60s) a watched Jim play music (wasn´t Top 40s ... don´t remember what is was called back then, but the Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jerry Vale, style. His sidekick on-air was a guy named Paul Munt (sp?). Can´t recall the call-letters of the station ... but, Jim and Paul (who´d do the news and weather) made a lasting impression on this 11-13 year old ... one that led me into radio during college in the early 70´s ... and continue to this day. Thanks, Jim (and Paul).
Barry Nulph
June 12, 2021
A good man, and helpful to me in radio.
John Driscoll
February 13, 2018
I grew up with Jim on my dads car radio on PHOENIX RADIO KUPD AM and KXIV ,he also had some stints at SF Radio stations , he was an exceptional personality. Who followed. In the valley of radio. Stars Steve Allen, Joe Pyne and Red Mclvane .
David Gotch
August 30, 2017
In 1962, at the tender age of nine, I listened to Jim Spero, and Paul B. Mont [or was it Beaumont?] every morning on my clock radio. Needless to say, I was VERY mature for my age, and I got many of the jokes and innuendos heard on that great show. Jim and Paul on radio, along with Wallace and Ladmo on TV, made me the very cool cat that I am now. RIP, Jim. RIP. You are, and always will be one of my heroes.
David W. Gotch.
Barry Nulph
July 8, 2017
God bless Gail. Jim was a great guy. He got me into Radio in the 80's, & was a mentor.
Recently re-connected when we found we were near neighbors.
Barry
Anthony Salvatore Hall
July 2, 2017
My condolences to the Family, Jim was an amazing man just amazing.
Don Tedrick
June 29, 2017
Several times in my youth, I remember my dad coming home from work saying 'gotta hear what Jim Spero said today - so funny!'.
Dan Mullen
June 28, 2017
After time in the U.S.Army I arrived at ASU in 1963. I came across Jim Spero and his sidekick Paul B. Munt. They were the best in the business in spite of the fact that they did not play rock & roll music. You two were the reason many of us could keep it going. Thank you for what you added to our lives!
June 23, 2017
My husband, Bob Allingham was a director in the early days of Channel 12 and one of his favorite shows to work on was "Pars, Birdies, and Spero". Jim was pleasant to work with and will be missed.
Ginger Allingham
Dan Salazar
June 23, 2017
My heartfelt condolences go out to Gail, Mrs. Spero and the entire Spero family. May the Lord be with you in this time of loss.
I too am one of those many lucky recipients of Jim's "Airwaves" presence so many years ago. He was without a doubt the best in his craft. There's an "Early bird special", you are a "Special Early Bird". RIP Jim.
Irene Morales
June 19, 2017
I will never forget Mr Jim Spero. When my husband was shipped to VietNam in 1967, we had been married for two weeks. I listened to KXIV every morning on my way to work. His jokes, the music he played and his way of making you feel as though he knew what you were going through well, that's what got me through that ugly war. My husband came back safe, but I will forever be thankful to Mr Spero. May he rest in peace.
Carole Lowe Beath
June 19, 2017
R.I.P. Jim Spero. You were such an important part of so many lives who respected your radio time with all of us.
Randy Vogel
June 18, 2017
I never knew him but enjoyed listening to him on KXIV when I was in high school. I still remember some of his lines and was so disappointed when he left for San Diego.
Phyllis Boyse
June 18, 2017
Condolences to the Spero family in your loss. I remember listening to Jim in the early 1960s to early 70s. I remember him, I believe, on KPHO radio and TV, and KRUX Radio. Was a great broadcaster, very funny and he was a great DB.
Phyllis Jackson Boyse
Roy Cirincione
June 18, 2017
I enjoyed your early morning show on KOY in the late '60s. Put me in a great mood in the mornings. Thanks. Rest in peace Jim.
Merrill Sparks
June 18, 2017
Mr. Spero played our favorite hit songs on the radio as DJ in 1960's Phoenix. Thank you for sharing that stellar personality with us , sir!
Crazy Ed Chilleen
June 18, 2017
I flew part time traffic for Sawyer Aviation and KXIV in the early 60s with Jim and Paul B Munt.....It was a kick and you never knew what Jim would say......It was the most entertaining drive time morning show and we were the only traffic report in the air!
June 18, 2017
Thanks for the memories and your service.
C Kerr
June 18, 2017
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I met him in the early 80's at an AM radio station here in Phoenix, that I interned at as an ASU student. I remember him as being kind & helpful. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Andy Limber
June 18, 2017
Jim's quick sense of humor and distinctive voice placed him among the premier radio personalities of the Valley. There's nothing on today's airwaves like the good-natured and funny banter between Jim and newsman Paul B. Mundt. Rest in peace, Jim.
--- Andy Limber
Mark
June 18, 2017
Jim you were a great DJ in from the 1960s into the 80s. I liked the older big band era music that your stations broadcasted. Thanks for the momories
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Make a Donation
in Jim Spero's name
Memorial Events
for Jim Spero
Jun
22
How to support Jim's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jim Spero's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
