James George Spice

James George Spice
(Demetrios Spais)
James was born in Canada on November 13, 1935, to Greek immigrants, George and Photene Spice. He was younger brother to Stavro. During the depression, his family moved to Ely, MN, and eventually to Milwaukee, WI, where his father continued to work in the restaurant business. He graduated from North Division High School in 1953. From 1955-1961, he served in the military active army First Division Band and 82nd Division Reserve Band where he played clarinet and saxophone. He was honorably discharged in 1961. He was involved with a variety of instrumental and vocal groups in the community during and after college. He attended UWM from 1960-67, receiving his Bachelor s and Master s degrees. He studied radio and TV broadcasting with public television and worked with commercial television during his college years. He worked for ABC Television in NYC.
He later became a Speech Pathologist and was employed by Milwaukee Public Schools from 1967-1994. There he met the love of his life, Dr. Evelyn Sloan, and they married in 1978. Together they blended their family of six children. When he retired from MPS, he moved into health and rehabilitation services for a variety of agencies for 10 years before full retirement. He began singing in choirs once again, and this passion for music stayed with him through the end of his days. He was a beloved member of Milwaukee Metropolitan Voices and Brookfield Civic Chorus. And an absolute highlight of his sunset years was conducting the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at the State Capitol!
But the thing he will be remembered most for was his great and generous heart. In the realm of love, presence, and support, there was no better father, stepfather, or grandfather.
His is survived by his two children from his first wife, Anne, and their families: Linda (Joe), Sophia, and Joe D Isabella, and Christopher (Inna,) Dominic, and Arthur Spice.
He was the most beloved and cherished stepfather and father-in law to Dr. Shannon Sloan-Spice, (Jimi), Pamela Watson Stampen, (John), Kenneth (Jennifer) Watson, and Dr. James Watson (Lisa Child Watson).
Jim and Evie were the proud grandparents of Charlie and Lucy Sloan-Spice, Jake and Tucker Stampen, Amy and David Watson, and Courtney Black (Austin), Jimmy, and Kylie Watson (Noah). They were also beloved elders to his cousin, Rick Kissell s, (Annie) children: Lucas, Renee, and Paul. Their first great-granddaughter, Isla Black, was born just this month.
Papa was the gentlest of souls and kindest of men. Despite having had a stroke in December of 2021, he never stopped singing. He harmonized with his daughters Shannon and Pam every day. He was often cheered by the company of his dear friend, Sally, who infused his life with joy. He was the darling of the floor at East Castle.
Papa will always and ever be Our Sunshine, Our Only Sunshine! He found peace on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded by his wife Evelyn, brother Stavro, and cousin Rick in 2019.
May his memory and many good deeds be eternal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 1875 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at ST. NICHOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH, from 9:30 AM until time of Service at 10:30 AM.