James A. Spence

1941 - 2025

James A. Spence

July 1, 1941 - December 24, 2025

Belleville, Illinois - James A. "Jim" Spence, born July 1, 1941 died peacefully on December 24th at Barnes Hospital, with his devoted wife, Barbie at his side.

Mr. Spence was born in Springfield, IL to Mary Margaret (Eggleston) and Harold Walter Spence. He spent his childhood in Southern California, moving back to the Springfield, IL area for high school. He attended the University of Illinois and was a proud ILLINI fan forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Patricia Manley and her husband, Jerry.

He is survived by his wife, Barbie, whom he cherished, and their two cats, Cooper and Udon. He is also survived by his nephews, Mike, Rick and Mark Manley, nieces, Julie (Mike) Goff and Pam (Ernie) Brust, sisters and brothers-in-law and ten nieces/nephews on his wife's side, other family, many friends and colleagues.

Jim spent his career as an Art Director/Graphic Designer and was a founding partner at Bydalek Spence Kittner, Inc. (BSK), servicing accounts with Anheuser-Busch, Ralston-Purina, Emerson Electric and more! He loved to sail, and spent as much time as possible in the British Virgin Islands and at their home on Dauphin Island, Alabama. He also was an IndyCar enthusiast, personally witnessing nearly 60 Indy 500s in his lifetime. He was a NASCAR fan and nothing made him happier than watching Kyle Larson win this year!

He had a knack for home projects, creating beautiful artwork to decorate their homes, and is well-known for creating oversized birthday and Valentines for his wife. He dedicated much time to teaching Barbie a lot of home repair skills. He was an amazing cook, sharing his "moneyloafs" with many and celebrating every New Years with Oyster Stew.

A two-time Stage 4 colon cancer survivor, Jim was an ideal patient, never asking "Why me?" and approaching every treatment or procedure with a positive attitude and a big box of John's Donuts. He is grateful to his team of physicians and nurses at Barnes Hospital over the years who cared for him and guided his successful cancer journey.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral. His cremated remains will be later spread at Saba Rock in the BVI, he and Barbie's favorite place. A celebration of his life (with cocktails) will be announced at a later date.

Donations may be made in his honor to Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis (www.rmhcstl.org) or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).