James Spaulding II

1944 - 2025

James Spaulding II

June 11, 1944 - July 10, 2025

James Francis Spaulding II (Frank)

June 11, 1944 – July 10, 2025

James Francis Spaulding II, lovingly known as Frank, of Bedford, Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on June 11, 1944, Frank was raised in Bloomfield, New Jersey, and was a lifelong servant of his church, community, and the world.

Frank graduated from Essex Catholic High School in Newark, N.J., and went on to attend Newark College of Engineering. A man of deep intellect and commitment, Frank served honorably in the United States Navy for 21 years as a cryptologic technician, including during the Vietnam War, retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He later earned degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Southern California.

A devoted Catholic, Frank lived his life rooted in service, humility, and compassion. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. His sense of moral responsibility led him to a life of helping others, and he gave generously of his time and heart to numerous organizations including Shepherd's Table, Bedford Christian Ministries, Bedford Memorial Hospital, and the Queen of Peace soup kitchen in Washington, D.C., operated by the Sisters of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity. He traveled to Haiti and established a partnership between his parish, St. John the Evangelist in Clinton, Maryland, and the parish on Petite Cayamete Island. He also volunteered as an adult literacy tutor and mentored individuals recently released from prison, helping them find jobs and rebuild their lives. Most recently, he enjoyed volunteering at the schools in which his children work and his grandchildren attend-Westside and Montvale Elementary Schools.

Frank is survived by his dear wife of 58 years, Anita Zoppi Spaulding; his daughter, Jessica Spaulding Trussell and her husband Mark; his son, Kevin Spaulding and his wife Natalie; and his cherished grandchildren, Marley and Pax Spaulding. He is also survived by his brother John Spaulding and his wife Laura; and by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews-all of whom he loved dearly and who loved him in return. His favorite place to enjoy time with his extended family was every summer at the shore in Lavallette, New Jersey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard J. Spaulding, Sr. and Loretta Spaulding; and by his brothers, Pete Spaulding and Rick Spaulding.

Frank will be remembered for his wit, his dedication to serving others, and his ability to make everyone he met feel seen and valued. He lived his life as a quiet example of love, empathy, and morality. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

The family will receive friends Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Burch-Messier Funeral Home 371 W. Main St. Bedford, Va. 24523. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Bedford, Va., on Monday, July 14th, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frank's beloved Haiti through Projectstarfish.net, in honor of a life lived in selfless service."Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Burch-Messier Funeral Home

317 W. Main St, Bedford, VA 24523