James Spencer

James Earl Spencer, known as Jim by those who knew him, departed this world just as he would have wanted, peacefully at home on July 28, 2024, in the loving care of his wife Joyce and sister Anna.

Born in Lancaster, PA on March 4th, 1953, to Fred and Margaret Spencer, the oldest of six siblings.

Survived by brother Brian (Anita) Spencer, sister Anna Smith, brother Fred (Renea) Spencer, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by brothers Bill Spencer, Dale Spencer, and his parents.

Jim grew up in Elkton and attended Elkton high school where he met his high school sweetheart, loving wife and forever friend Joyce E. Morgan, they shared 51 years together. Jim and Joyce moved to the family home of Jim's beloved grandparents James & Anna Riley in Rising Sun. They raised a son, James E Spencer Jr. who blessed them with a granddaughter Alexus Spencer both of South Carolina.

Jim worked hard all his life, beginning at a young age tending to chores and caring for his siblings who looked up to him. His work life began at Wiley's manufacturing, from there he went to work at Crouse Construction repairing heavy equipment. When he began working at Rock Springs Hardware, he and Joyce formed lifelong friendships with Dave & Gilda Anderson. They became more like family, Dave's grandson Michael recalled learning to drive a tractor from Jim and watching him grin from ear to ear the whole time. When the store closed, Jim went to work for Oxford Area school district and a whole new group of people were lucky enough to know him. From an early age, Jim gained knowledge and love for tractors that was unmatched. He could fix anything, and everyone knew it. Jim never stopped; he was a caretaker for his grandmother, along with Joyce, for many years. He would give or do anything for anyone who needed it.

When he wasn't working, Jim enjoyed many things. He loved to fish and spent untold hours on the water catfishing with Joyce, or perch fishing with Kenny, Mike, Danny, or Donnie. Later he became a huge fan of YouTube videos featuring Catfish Dave. He enjoyed hunting and taught several young people to enjoy it too. Jim had a love of the simpler way of life. He grew vegetables and flowers, tended to, and adored his flocks of chickens, ducks, and guinea. He delighted in his sometimes very vocal inside birds and most recently found immense joy in watching "Woody" the woodpecker in the tree just off his porch.

Jim never came to anyone's house empty handed, he would come bearing gifts of food he had made, fish he caught, eggs from his "girls," flowers, or tools he thought you needed, always with a big grin. When he had time to spare, he used YouTube videos to teach himself a new craft and often surprised several of us with beautiful gifts he had made.

Jim was a devoted friend, and he had many who were just as devoted to him. Randy & Nicole Savage, neighbors, but more like family. Mike Cole, the two of them spent hours shooting the breeze and they were always there for one another. So many cherished friends, to list them all would be impossible. The garage gatherings were the best, the young people especially hung on to his every word.

Jim was hard working, loving, kind, fun and a giving man who relished the simple life, he did not want a service of any kind. To be honest he would not be happy about the fuss made over him in this obituary, but he deserves the fuss and so much more.

A celebration of his life will be held later.