James Spearman

1933 - 2021

James H Spearman
November 28, 1933 - April 6, 2021
James Harlen Spearman, was a loving husband, father, granddad and friend. He left the world suddenly on April 6, 2021, at the age of 87.
James was born to Joe Gamble & Callie Jones Spearman on November 28th, 1933, in McKinney, Texas. After his parents moved from a small ranch into town, "Jim" attended school in McKinney and later loved his first job as a route driver for Coca-Cola Bottling.
In 1952, with his father's permission he joined the Navy early and served proudly in support of the Korean War operation, aboard the US Mount Katmai. Afterward, on leave in San Francisco, Jim met Patricia Ann Cochrane at the local roller rink where numerous mock weddings were held before an actual proposal. Jim and Patty married April 15, 1955 and made a home together in the Bay Area where they started their family, welcoming son James "Jimmy" a year later in 1956 and William in 1959.
An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Jim had already twice traveled to Idaho to elk hunt and explore the gem state before deciding to move the family from Fremont, California to the less populated city of Boise. In 1964 Jim and Patty purchased a home in East Boise, where they've lived for more than 55 years.
Jim enjoyed an active Idaho lifestyle, taking full advantage of the nearby fishing, hunting, boating, camping and recreating throughout the state. Whether he was working on heavy duty earth movers early in his career, selling sporting goods, or creating his own floor covering business later in life, Jim never passed up an opportunity to head to the mountains to bow or rifle hunt, gather firewood, take his boat or his camper and the family and make the most of any weekend. And when he stuck around the house, he loved gardening (tomatoes and jalapeños were his favorites), tending to his tools or outdoor gear, tinkering in his garage, making friends with a host of nearby neighbors and enjoying time with his wife and family.
As "Pop" slowed down over the last few years, he still remained an active outdoorsman, building and caring for an enviable collection of fishing poles, bows, firearms, a couple of boats, an ATV, axes and chainsaws ... all the tools necessary to enjoy the things he loved the most.
Those left to cherish Jim's memory include his wife, Patricia, his two sons, Jim Spearman Jr. (and wife Linda of McKinney, Texas), son William Spearman of Boise; grandchildren Brian Spearman of McKinney, Texas, and Sara Murphy of Moscow, Idaho; great grandchildren Blake and Paige Spearman, McKinney, Texas. Plus extended family and a host of fantastic friends and neighbors too numerous to mention. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers (Pete, Royce & Kenneth Spearman) and his sister (Tressie Thomas).
A small memorial was held for friends and neighbors at the family home. In lieu of flowers, donations to any local Idaho wilderness/wildlife conservation group or the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Idaho are encouraged.