Colonel Jimmie Vincent Spezia

On July 7, 2023, with his children by his side, our much-loved, cherished father, grandpa, brother, cousin, 90 years old, smiled as he passed as he saw Jesus and his loved ones waiting to greet him (in Fair Oaks, though resided 50 years previously in Moreno Valley with his beloved wife, Bobbie). Dad was blessed with two wonderful wives while on this spinning rock, Sally and Bobbie, both had gone before him waiting hand in hand along with Ted Alstead, "brothers forever," in the light, at the side of Jesus, to greet Dad. His children are ever so grateful for the compassionate care and laughter Dorin, AJ and staff at Pearl Care provided to the Colonel with much dignity during his last months. Jimmie loved you immensely.
Born in Tacoma, WA, as a University of Puget Sound graduate, Jimmie worked as a high school teacher prior to joining the Air Force as an Officer. For nearly 3 decades, he served our Country in multiple known (and unknown top secret) positions from Navigator to SAC to Chief of Police all over the globe to include but not limited to Vietnam, Thailand, Guam, Washington State, Nebraska, Maine, California and South Dakota, while working on two Masters' degrees along the way. After retiring from the Air Force, Dad worked at TRW, retired from General Dynamics and continued substitute teaching at local Moreno Valley schools well into his later years.
Jimmie and Bobbie joined the Moreno Valley Elks where they served for decades in a variety of positions from the Hawaii-California District Leader, local Exalted Leader, Treasurer and many other positions serving the Moreno Valley community. Dad loved his fellow Elk members greatly and had much fun and laughter (many toga parties with live bands held over the years to raise money at their home), held many hands in comfort, sharing tears as well as sharing in children with disabilities' joy and laughter with Santa and a warm meal. Jimmie and Bobbie loved and were ever so grateful (as are we) for their Elk family.
The Colonel had an avid love for golf (played a few times a week until 2020!), Hawaii, both his wives, slept with both eyes closed (checking for leaks), didn't take any wooden nickels nor let the bed bugs bite, was sure glad somebody loved him, and ask him how he was feeling? With his hands, every time. Most of all Jimmie loved his and Sally's surviving children Michael Spezia (Debbie), David Spezia (Donna), Colleen Spezia and Jeanine Lantz (Glenn), 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, "sister" Darlene Alstead, beloved nephews Mark, Troy and Scott, multiple loved nieces/nephews and his cherished and ever so loved dog and truest friend until the end, Miss Cha Cha.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 26th, 11:00 a.m., at Arlington Mortuary Chapel, Riverside with a 1:00 pm service with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, reception following at the Moreno Valley Elks Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jimmie by making memorial contributions to the Elks' Major Project. https://chea-elks.org/major-project