James William Spence

James William Spence, age 87 passed away December 1, 2024 in Houston, Texas while visiting his daughter. He was born June 20, 1937 to late James O. and Dorothy E. (Mau) Spence and was a lifelong resident of Painesville, Ohio.
James was a graduate of Cleveland State University receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from 1955-1959. He retired in 1992 as a Postal Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Painesville. He then worked at Deepwood Center from 1993-2000 as a Guardian. James was a member of VFW Post 7754 in Fairport Harbor. He was a sports enthusiast and was a St. Louis Cardinals Fan since 1957. He also enjoyed collecting coins and was a jogger for 34 years. He ran two marathons and several half marathons. He also umpired for 25 years for various leagues in the area.
James is survived by his daughter Kelly (Bill - deceased) Coleman of Pasadena, Texas and his son Kevin Spence of Lewes, Delaware. He also leaves his grandchildren Adrian James (Marlyn) Coleman, and Andrew Joseph Gonzalez; great granddaughter, Lana James Coleman as well as his brothers, Thomas (Kathy) Spence of Painesville and Jon (Susan) Spence of North Carolina and sisters, Mary Ann (Ed) McDonald of Painesville and Nancy (Ron) Vash of Painesville. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Sharon Spence and brother, Dennis Spence.
The family will receive friends Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 368 Mentor Avenue, Painesville. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 316 Fifth Street, Fairport Harbor, Ohio 44077.