CAPT James J. Spillane USN

1935 - 2020

Captain James J. Spillane, SC, USN (Ret'd) "Jerry" was born on November 14, 1935 in New Haven, CT and died December 4, 2020 in Virginia Beach at the age of 85. Although he had overcome many health challenges in the past few years, he lost his life to Covid.

A native of New Haven, CT, Jerry attended Notre Dame High School in West Haven, graduating in 1953. He then attended the U.S. Naval Academy graduating with the Class of 1957 as a member of the 1st Company.

Upon graduation, he attended the Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA followed by a tour as Supply Officer aboard the USS Hunt (DD-674). Following USS Hunt, he served as Contracting Officer at the Navy Purchasing Office in Brooklyn, NY. Resigning in 1962, he joined the IBM Corporation in New Haven, CT where he worked as a Systems Engineer and Marketing Representative. In 1966 during the Vietnam War, he left IBM voluntarily to return to active duty in the Navy. Following various shore and sea tours, he commissioned NAVMASSO (Navy Maintenance and Supply Systems Office) serving as the first Commanding Officer. Following a short tour at COMNAVAIRLANT, he retired in 1982.

During retirement Jerry held many interesting positions. His favorite employment included teaching Computer Science at Old Dominion University and working at Edwin Watts Golf Shop. Throughout his life, Jerry enjoyed playing golf. He was a Life Member of The US Naval Academy Alumni Association and The Military Officers Association of America, and a supporter of The Navy Supply Corps Association.

Jerry had a passion for knowledge and became a master mechanic, photographer, gardener, and was an avid golfer. He was a die hard Red Sox fan. He taught his family important values and to love and honor our country. He loved nature and animals and took his family (including his dogs) cross-country camping numerous times and visited many National Parks. He raised and trained German Shepherd dogs and loved his many Pembroke Welsh Corgis who of course were untrainable. He lived a full and adventurous life and he will be missed by all his family.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara F. Spillane of New Haven, CT , and his children Timothy J. Spillane and wife Anne Spillane (VA Bch, VA) Clare J. Spillane (Salisbury, MD), and Ellen Spillane Levine (Santa Ynez, CA). He was predeceased by his son, Andrew R. Spillane who passed away February 25, 2020 as well as his brother David and his parents, James & Corine Spillane. He had great love for all his grandchildren: Jessie, Jake, Leah and Sadie Levine and their father Josh Levine; Renee, Megan and Connor Spillane; Elizabeth, Hannah and Zeth Weaver; and Evan, Chloe and Christa Spillane. He always made sure to lecture them about safety and made sure they all had flashlights so they were never in the dark and could shine a light forward towards a bright future. He also dearly loved his sister-in-law Janet and husband Bob Brady and their children, Pam, Suzanne, Carole and Michael and their families. He had many close friends and will be greatly missed for his friendship and political bantering.

His favorite charity is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and donations can be made in his honor. Jerry will be laid to rest at Albert G. Horton, Jr., Memorial Veterans Cemetery and a graveside service will be held on Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.