Bemus James Spear

Bemus James Spear, 82, of Ewing Township, New Jersey, peacefully entered eternal rest at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Born on January 2, 1944, in Piedmont, Alabama, to Mr. and Mrs. Bemus and Linnie B. Spear, he was the eldest of nine children and a treasured cornerstone of his family.

A proud graduate of Bethune School in Piedmont, Alabama, Class of 1961, Bemus James pursued further studies at Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. In 1963, he honorably enlisted in the United States Air Force, faithfully serving his country until 1967. During his military service, he spent two years stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska, where he served with distinction as a member of the Honor Guard.

While stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in Fort Dix, New Jersey, in 1966, Bemus James met the love of his life, Janice Rhodes. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and devotion. They were united in holy matrimony on June 1, 1968, at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Trenton, New Jersey. From this blessed union came four beloved children: Rodney, Leslie, Rhonda, and Kourtney.

Following his military service, Bemus James began his civilian career working at Korvette's in Ewing, New Jersey, and later at E. L. Kerns Soda Company in Trenton, New Jersey, where he served as both a driver and salesman. He subsequently built a long and respected career as a professional truck driver with Ritchie & Page Distribution Company in Trenton, New Jersey. Through dedication and hard work, he faithfully served the company for 25 years before retiring in 1994.

Bemus James accepted Christ at an early age while living in Piedmont, Alabama, and his faith remained a steadfast guiding force throughout his life. He cherished attending church alongside his beloved wife and family. Even when he was no longer able to attend services in person, he continued to nourish his faith by listening to Pastor Daniels' sermons online.

For more than four decades, he and his wife proudly owned their home in Trenton, New Jersey, where they lovingly raised their family and created countless cherished memories. A man of many simple yet meaningful joys, Bemus James found peace in fishing, taking leisurely drives to the park with his grandchildren, and creating freehand portraits of loved ones, an expression of both his creativity and affection.

He was a devoted and enthusiastic fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, celebrating with immense pride when the team captured championship victories in 2018 and again in 2025. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed watching classic westerns and popular television programs such as Judge Judy, Perry Mason, and Jerry Springer, each bringing moments of comfort and laughter to his days.

Summer seasons often brought joyful family trips from New Jersey back to Alabama, a tradition he held close to his heart. Above all else, Bemus James was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, caring brother, uncle, and cousin. He made it his lifelong mission to ensure that those around him felt protected, cherished, and deeply supported.

Being known as "Pop-Pop" filled his heart with immeasurable pride and joy. Though his presence will be deeply missed, the love he shared will continue to guide and sustain us each day. The family will continue to surround GranJan, his beloved Queen, with the same devotion and care that he so faithfully showed throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mr. Bemus Spear (U.S. Army Veteran of World War II) and Mrs. Linnie B. Spear; brothers, Freddie Spear and David Levon Spear; sister, Dorothy Ann Kelly-Williams; mother-in-law, Lula Mae Rhodes; father-in-law, Iverson Rhodes, Jr.; brothers-in-law, William Frank "Tony" Hicks and Tommy Iverson Rhodes; sister-in-law, Don Sheree Spear; son-in-law, Officer Tony R. Butler (Lieutenant, U.S. Navy Veteran); nieces, Regina Carol Spear and Amy Spear; nephew, Tommy Iverson Rhodes, IV; special aunts, Willie D. Cobb, Christine Diamond, and Martha Whatley; and uncle, Raymond Cobb.

Left to honor and cherish his enduring legacy are his devoted wife of 57 years, Mrs. Janice Rhodes Spear of Ewing, New Jersey; sons, Rodney James Spear, Sr. (U.S. Navy, Retired) (Gwendolyn) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Kourtney Iverson Spear, Sr. of Ewing, New Jersey; daughters, Leslie Gaynell Spear-Youngblood of Trenton, New Jersey, and Rhonda Michelle Butler of Willingboro, New Jersey; grandchildren, Kieren Forrest James Spear of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Ebonie Nicole Spear of Portsmouth, Virginia, Clinton Yasir Youngblood of Ewing, New Jersey, Yuri Malik Youngblood of Trenton, New Jersey, Rodney James Spear, Jr. (U.S. Merchant Marine) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Lailah Janiece Youngblood of Trenton, New Jersey, and Kourtney Iverson Spear, Jr. of Ewing, New Jersey, bonus grand daughter, Dylan Mitchell of Hamilton, New Jersey and bonus great-grand daughter, Luna Lynn Brown-Harrington of Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is also survived by sisters, Carolyn Spear Holman, Agnes Gaynell Spear, and Linda Gail Ball (Larry) of Piedmont, Alabama; brothers, Johnny Wayne Spear (Alice) of Anniston, Alabama and Bobby Jabe Spear (U.S. Air Force, Retired) of Clinton, Maryland; sisters-in-law, Deborah E. Spear of Fort Washington, Maryland and Ravetta Poole (Bob) of Macon, Georgia; along with a large and loving circle of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Bemus James Spear lived a life defined by kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family. His legacy of love, faith, and integrity will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him.