James Barrett Spendley

James Barrett Spendley

James Spendley Obituary

Published by Legacy on Jul. 31, 2025.
Beloved husband, physician, and friend, Dr. James Spendley passed away Sunday July 27th, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, quick wit, and wholehearted generosity. As Medical Director of Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, James devoted his career to helping others heal-offering not only his medical expertise but his deep humanity.

Outside of his work, James found joy in life's quieter gifts: cultivating his garden, spending peaceful days on the boat, and sharing everyday moments with his beloved husband, Sam. Known for pairing his unwavering kindness with sharp humor, James brought warmth and laughter to every room he entered.

He is survived by his husband, Sam Brasseur; his parents, Paul and Ginger Spendley; his sister and brother-in-law, Jennifer and Joe Deemer; his brother and sister-in-law, Bart and Kaycee Spendley; his sister and brother-in-law, Brandi and Mario DiDino; his father- and mother-in-law, Gregg and Linda Brasseur; his sister- and brother-in-law, Alissa and John Cohoat; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ben and Stacie Brasseur; his sister- and brother-in-law, Cecily and Adam Teach; and countless nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends whom James deeply adored.

James will be remembered not only for his clinical excellence, but for the way he made people feel-seen, heard, and loved.

For updates, ways to stay connected, and future details on where donations may be made in James's honor, please visit jamesspendley.com

Click here to donate now James-Spendley-Memorial-Garden

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign James Spendley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2025

Heidi Street posted to the memorial.

July 30, 2025

Bridget Emery planted trees.

July 31, 2025

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Heidi Street

July 31, 2025

We will miss your passion for helping others, your deep knowledge and your friendship. Heidi Street MD

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Bridget Emery

Planted Trees

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in James Spendley's name

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Spendley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Spendley's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2025

Heidi Street posted to the memorial.

July 30, 2025

Bridget Emery planted trees.

July 31, 2025

Legacy Remembers posted an obituary.