James M. Spinks

James M. Spinks, 92, of Newton, MA died peacefully on June 26, 2016 at Benchmark Senior Living in Acton MA with members of his family by his side after complications from a stroke. He was born in Nelson Township, Ontario, Canada on August 5, 1923, son of Earl J. and Elizabeth Watson Spinks. Jim graduated from the University of Toronto in 1945 where he received a degree in Engineering. After college he enlisted in the Canadian Infantry Corps where he served at the end of WWII. After serving his one year com-mitment, he received an Honorable Discharge in May of 1946. Jim then briefly worked for a Canadian mining company and during this time he met Neva Weager. They mar-ried on March 7, 1947 and moved to the Boston area where Jim began to pursue a business career. On Feb 17, 1948, Earl, their first of seven children was born. In 1949 Jim became a US citizen. Jim founded Atlas Engineering Co., a company specializing in electronic coils and transformers, in 1950 and served as president and chief engineer for over 40 years. In Nov 1953, as the family grew, they moved to Newton Centre where they lived for 63 years. After the sale of Atlas in the mid 1980s, Jim started two more successful businesses both specializing in electronic transformers. He was a brilliant engineer and he often consulted with other engineers who summoned his design expertise. Amongst the companies who sought out his skills were Intel, Woods Hole, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the University of California, and the University of New York. He continued his work in the transformer industry until his death. Jim was passionate about the stock market, geology and opera. He loved dark room photography, astronomy, butterflies, and deep sea fishing. Jim commuted to Boston during the summer months so the family could spend their summers at their modest lake house on Lake Maspenock in Hopkinton MA enjoying water skiing, boating, and swimming. He also played competitive bridge with Neva and was a bridge Life Master. Jim is survived by Neva, his wife of 69 years and his 2 sons, James Jr. and his wife Di-ane, and Jeffrey and his wife Jackie, and by his 4 daughters, Vicki Hall and her hus-band Bruce, Jennifer Carleton, Laura Wilber, and Susan Topper and her husband An-thony, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim is pre- ceased by his oldest son, Earl. Following cremation, a private Funeral Service to celebrate Jim's life was held at Trinity Church Newton Center. Interment will occur at Newton Cemetery following the death of his wife.