James William Spady

James William Spady, "The Zoo Man," passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025 at the age of 88. He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence M. and Elizabeth Brock Spady, his brothers Lawrence M. Jr. and Mollie Sue Spady, O.A Spady and his beloved adopted son Charlie Culliton, all of Battery Park, VA.

Uncle Jimmie, the name he introduced himself by, was born in Battery Park, VA on June 14, 1937. He would join the family business at Battery Park Fish and Oyster Company after two years attending Bluefield College studying zoology. It was a pair of baby mallard ducks brought up from the Oyster House by his father that ignited his love of animals as a young child.

After the oyster industry collapse of the 1980's, Uncle Jimmie turned to his hobby and created his dream of Oak Crest Farm. His animals were his pets, hobby and livelihood. If an animal was lucky enough to be named, it had a home on his farm for life. There was Booger and Rotten (the spoiled Goats), Jack and Sassy (Miniature Donkey), Sampson, Deliah, Salome (Ostrich), Elvis and Priscilla (Pot Belly Pig), Moses (Emu), Hokie (Turkey), Dominique and Obama (Llama), Cuddles (Alligator), Boo and Bambi (White Tail Deer) Trio (Three Legged Cat), and Mondika (Zebra). He raised everything from chickens, ducks and geese to wallaby's, rhea's and east African crowned cranes. Odds are, at one point in time, he raised it.

As an avid wildlife lover, Jimmie travelled the world hunting and appreciating God's creation. Many of his trophies he brought home to display in his house including moose, bear, wild boar, wolverine, deer, and mountain sheep. 

His farm was in some sense a zoo. School, Scout and Church groups and passers by visited his farm. He never turned away a family and it was a joy for him to share his animals with others. He sold to hobby farmers, breeders and in a few cases, zoo's.

Uncle Jimmie was the last surviving founding member of the Virginia Poultry Breeders Association, an organization he was proud to be a part of. His knowledge of wildlife was endless and was relied upon by enthusiasts across the state. He will be missed by many and remembered fondly as the "Zoo Man" of Battery Park.

The family would like to thank his caregivers, Anthony Kearney, Kathy Moss, Tim Buchanan and Beth Emehizer for their care and love of Uncle Jimmie over the past year. As well as Bonnie Garner, who has lovingly cared for his animals.

Uncle Jimmie leaves behind Brie and Tinker (Chihuahas), Sister-in-law Hazel Spady, Nieces and Nephews Michael King (Lori), Katharine Phillips (Mark), Vivian VanSelow (Duke), Nancy Modlin (Brian), Missoura Goldberg (Lou), Great Nieces and Nephews Meredith Elliott (Brent), Brock VanSelow (Blair), Tyler VanSelow (Lexi), Devin Arnold (Hannah), Kevin King (Kelsy), Marina Doggett (Raymond) and Danielle Kosinski (Matt). Numerous other Great Great Nieces and Nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jimmie's memory to the Virginia Poultry Breeders Association. Mailing Address: 15334 Mill Swamp Rd., Smithfield, VA 23430.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Little's Funeral home in Smithfield, VA.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.