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James Spicer Obituary
James Louis Spicer, 72, of Sheboygan, passed away Monday, January 12, 2016, at home. Jim was born February 20, 1943 in Washburn, IL, to the late Louis and Elsie (Crank) Spicer. He graduated from the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine with a doctorate. He was a proud brother of the Farmhouse Fraternity. On January 29, 1967, he was united in marriage to Cheryl Banta in Peoria, IL. She preceded him in death on June 2, 2015 Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, being stationed at Fort Campbell, KY. In 1972, after his service, Jim moved his family to Sheboygan where he became a partner in the Animal Clinic. Jim worked for over 40 years, serving many clients, making himself available at all hours of the day and night. He was a large animal vet, but his true passion was working with horses. In his later years, Jim enjoyed spending time at the Animal Clinic, playing solitaire and joking around with the staff. In 2014, Jim was awarded the Friend of 4-H Award after many years of caring and compassion for the horses needing his attention at the Sheboygan County Fair.
Jim and Cheryl founded Stonekroft Kennels and were very successful showing dogs across the country. Jim traveled all around the country, showing his dogs, until the time of his passing. Jim was an active member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the German Shepherd Dog Club of Wisconsin.
He is survived by two sons, Blaine (Kim) Spicer and Monte (Mary) Spicer; one daughter, Angela (Jon) Buesing; six grandchildren, Alexander, Dylan, Isabella, Madalyn, Maxwell and Wyatt; one brother Jay (Janice) Spicer and two sisters, Roseanne Ulrich and Sue (Alex) Nobleman. He is further survived by many family members, close friends and his beloved dogs.
In addition to his parents and wife, Cheryl, he was preceded in death by his son, Shane, his daughter-in-law, Stephanie and his brother, Jack.
A funeral service for Jim will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church (623 Ontario Avenue, Sheboygan) with Pastor John Putnam officiating. Friends may call on Friday, January 15, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Zimmer's Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ, Howards Grove). Visitation will continue on Saturday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at the Kohler Woodland Cemetery. Please visit www.zimmerfuneralhome.com to sign the guestbook.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Spicer
Patricia Backhaus
January 7, 2021
he is still on the top of my list for the best vet around miss him dearly withh my horses he is in such a better place right now bless him .
Patricia Backhaus
January 7, 2020
still think of you when a doctor is needed for my animals and the days when you came to the farm a dozen of eggs from my hens made you happier than getting a candy bar still miss our times on the farm
Tom and Peggy Brennan
January 14, 2016
Our most heartfelt condolences to the Spicer Family. It is our prayer that the shared memories and stories of this great man will fill the void in your hearts and help you find peace during this difficult time. ~ May the Angels lead him In~
January 21, 2016
Jim we go back to 2nd grade till now..rest wellgood times . Dick Laible
SHARON TODOROFF
January 19, 2016
My thoughts and prayers to the Spicer family. Jim was a person you admired, you could ask him questions and he would take the time to answer. He will be missed.
Dorothy Miller
January 17, 2016
My condolences to the family of James Spicer. I will always remember Dr. Spicer as a great lover of dogs and horse and a provider of excellent care for my horses especially TJ. He was always a gentleman's gentleman and will be missed dearly by the horse community. God's peace.
Jerry Crank
January 16, 2016
So sad to hear of your passing, it seems to never be the right time, but as mortals we all know how the story ends! In reading the guest book entries, it is quite apparent you made a significant and lasting impression on so many people you came in contact with over the years! I am not surprised, compassion and empathy were in you from a young age.
Rest in peace cousin, see you around the corner!
Ron Peabody
January 16, 2016
Lots of fond memories from a fellow FarmHouse Brother, 4-H friend, childhood neighbor and always a friend. Ron Peabody
Kathy Buchholz
January 16, 2016
My condolences to the family of James Spicer. When his grandson Alex was in first grade Dr. Spicer visited our classroom and shared his passion for caring for animals with the class. It was an amazing learning experience for all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 15, 2016
What a sad day it is today to know that Dr. Spicer has died. Yet we feel happy that he can finally rest with God in Heaven and all the animals that he helped throughout the decades. He was a special person and a dedicated veterinarian. In a day when veterinarians and doctors won’t see you after hours, Dr. Spicer was always there. He was the kindest, soft-spoken person
we ever knew. What a Godly man he was. He was not prideful, boastful, and never said an unkind word about anyone. Yet, he made himself available to everyone, and if you listened close enough you could hear the wisdom in every word he quietly spoke. He really did love horses, so much so, that one day when we were out visiting our horse, Dr. Spicer drove in. When we asked if a horse was sick, he just pointed at our horse and quietly said,
“I just wanted to see how the old gal was doing.”
During one night in October of 2011, our horse Lexie coliced and we called
Dr. Spicer at around seven am, when we discovered her. He came right out
and examined her and treated her. Despite all his efforts, she had already
rolled and twisted a bowl, before anyone knew. Dr. Spicer made a painful
time, less painful, by just being who he was. He already understood there
was no hope, but he let us deal with the shock and the irreversible
decision as to when to put our mare Lexie down. We will never forget how he
came back five times that day. The last time, my wife just nodded at him,
and he instinctively knew we had come to terms with the situation. He
stayed with us while our beautiful mare just went to sleep.
Dr. Spicer thank you for all you did over the years. Thanks for caring so
much, and trying so hard. Thanks for the patience, and the time. In a world
going crazy, you showed all who knew you, how to stay the course. You may
have gone to be with God just as quietly as you spoke, but everyone who
knew you, has an empty space in their hearts now. I hope you are finally
resting and having fun with horses and all of God’s animals in heaven. I
know that I know that Lexie has already come to you and said, “Thanks for
caring.” We say thank you also, and we look forward to being reunited with
you one day. We pray that God will be with all the friends and family still
here, and that He will comfort them because they miss you, as do we..
Love,
Fred & Patty Tuttle
Maggie and Ana
January 15, 2016
Our prayers for all the family. Doc Spicer was an amazing vet and teacher. He helped us many a time with horse and dog. Thanks for impacting our lives for the good. You and Cheryl will not be forgotten.
Bob Magnus
January 15, 2016
Jim, you've had an incredible impact on my life! Thank you! We have lost an incredible person, an incredible gentleman. Say hi to my parents up there. I will miss you and the entire community is lucky to have known you for so many years. Bob Magnus DVM (the horse crazy kid who Jim mentored)
Tom & Phyllis Rasmussen
January 15, 2016
Sympathy to the family of a man dedicated to his clients - who was truly interested in the well being of the horses he treated. May you rest in peace on your final journey.
January 14, 2016
Blaine, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Ruth Wilsing
Jessie
January 14, 2016
Jim you are a wonderful person inside and out. I learned so much from you, Cheryl and Angel through 4-H and the kennel. Please know you and your family are always with me everyday with animals and in spirit. Please rest in peace with Cheryl and all the animals in heaven. Your legacy of animals will never be forgotten and will continue through your kids. Also your foster parenting and taking invasion few confused kids once in a while.
Scott Stewart
January 14, 2016
Rest in Peace , "DOC" you will be missed . I always enjoyed seeing Doc , He was a great man , and a terrific Vet .
Robin Royer
January 14, 2016
What I loved about Jim was the time he would take to talk to you about your concerns for your animal(s). His wisdom from years of experience was so practical. He loved to joke around. My horse Champ truly loved him !!!He cared so much.
My condolences to his family.
Dr. Wayne Hietpas
January 14, 2016
Dr Spicer was a man of forward thinking and great compassion for his clients. I always enjoyed consulting on cases with him. This is truly a loss of a "great one." My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Dr Wayne Hietpas
Tom, Peggy and Winchester Brennan
January 14, 2016
Our most heartfelt condolences to the Spicer Family. It is our prayer that the shared memories and stories of this great man will fill your hearts during this difficult time. ~May the Angels lead him In~
Nicole Feldmann
January 13, 2016
I will never forget training with him for my Vet Tech schooling. He was such a kind man and was amazing with the animals. He was my vet for my horses for many years. Rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Tom Myers, DVM (St. Anna Vet Clinic)
January 13, 2016
When I think of Jim, I think of his considered kind way of expressing himself. When the Sheboygan Veterinary Association met back in the 70s and 80s, I enjoyed when I could share the time with him, friend, colleague, and fellow vet school alum. Conversations were always easy, usually with some self deprecating humor. I miss knowing he's in the area, treating animals and people well, such a perfect example of high professional standards with compassion. He had a horse's way of paying attention when I spoke, listening on more than one level. I'm privileged to have known him.
Beth Gonzalez
January 13, 2016
Dr Jim Spicer was such a wonderful person, always putting others before himself. He always had a postive attitude whenever we saw him and I am so glad we were able to visit with him at the Waukesha shows and at the national this past year.
Much love and prayers,
Beth, Jose and Maralea Gonzalez
Phyllis Griffith-Rountree
January 13, 2016
My sympathies in loss of DR. Jim Spicer, My horse vet of 40 + years. He was endless in his concern,help, kindness in good and bad times with my horses. I am so thankful for the years of service received from this great vet.How I remember saying in later years to him, "What would we people with these animals do without you?" And then he had the stroke,and is gone, but FOREVER REMEMBERED. R.I.P. Dr. Jim Spicer / enjoy being reunited with people and dogs who went on before you, We were blessed beyond measure to have witnessed this truly caring upright individual. God bless the family and friends left behind.
January 13, 2016
Dear Spicer Family, We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Jim's passing. He was a wonderful person and your mom and him are together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this very difficult time. Lots of Love , The Mitchell Spicer Family
Brian & Becky Eernisse
January 13, 2016
Doc Spicer was a man above men - the dedication and knowledge he had, along with his sense of humor will be forever missed. Our sympathies to the family.
Julie Koconis (Koco Ranch)
January 13, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet Dr Spicer and obtain his services as my primary care barn veterinarian when I bought my horse farm back in 1994. His medical skills, years of experience, wealth of knowledge and incredibly soothing and caring bed-side manner only skimmed the surface of his value to us all, horses included.
Accepting my calls at all hours of the day and night, directing me on how to proceed and then coming to my aid -- time after time, year after year -- was appreciated more than he'll ever know.
Stopping by the ranch to drop off a watermelon from his garden, put his feet up in the lounge waiting for his next call or just play his favorite tune from the Highway Men for me, Dr Spicer became a very special friend that I miss dearly.
On behalf of every horse and customer (past and present) here at Koco Ranch, I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing your Dad with us. He made all our horses happier, safer -- and most importantly -- healthier for many, many years.
Reunited with Cheryl and all the animals he so professionally and lovingly cared for, may his memory be eternal.
Ginger Aschebrock
January 13, 2016
I am so sad about this...he was my Vet for many years and even longer for Kohler Stables....wonderful man and extremely helpful...always willing to go the extra mile. I am thinking of all of you during this time, remember all the good times you all had together!! Thank you Dr. Spicer for all the time and patience you demonstrated with out horses!!
laural kannich
January 13, 2016
God be with you Dr. Spicer! Thank you for all the wonderful caring years! He truly was a gift from god! will never forget all our talks prayers
Karla and Bob Utech
January 13, 2016
Our Sympathy. Doctor Spicer was the best, dedicated, outstanding Vetinarian. He served many animals in our community. We met thru 4-H, we had horses. So sorry for you're loss.
Blessings,
The Utech's
Barb Shircel
January 13, 2016
Spicer family- I am sooo sorry for your loss. Your dad held a special place in my heart. First he was my friend Monte's kooky and funny dad and then he became a wonderful boss to my mother for many, many years and I got to enjoy his funny sense of humor and genuine personality for all that time. He was very good to my mom when she was in a terrible car accident and I will always love him and the other vets for that. I know he has been lost since Cheryl's death and his own health issues that kept him from doing the work with his passion/animals... hoping he is at peace now. Hugs to the family and sending support and love your way!! He will be missed by many, many people in many areas of his life...
Lew Bunch
January 13, 2016
Jim was truly one of the good guys and it was my pleasure to have known him, his wonderful family and his dogs. Jim will be missed but always remembered forever. God Speed my friend.
Jon & Mary Lou Zoran
January 13, 2016
Dear Spicer Family - On behalf of Jim's neighbors to the south, we send our sympathy. Greatly appreciate Jim's care of Zoran family horses over the years.
Becki Kaat
January 13, 2016
I will miss you SO much Dr Spicer, both as a vet & as a friend. We shared so many stories together since we grew up within miles of each other - so much so that your 'mentor' was our vet. You took care of my crazy horse, my barn cats, put my poor old house cat & the family's treasured dog to sleep for me here, so I didn't have to traumatize them by taking them into the clinic ... the list goes on & on. And I always brought you back those monster melons from Spring Bay every summer that we both grew up loving to devour. I truly admired you in EVERY way & it breaks my heart to know I'll never share another conversation with you, in your soft southern drawl. You are TRULY one of the finest men i have ever known I i will miss you so much. May you rest in peace, dear man.
Dinee Paul
January 12, 2016
I will miss you, Jim. You were a great friend for over 30 years. I will never forget you and Cheryl and all that you have done for me and my family over the years. Rest in peace dear friend. It will not be the same without you ringside.
Patricia Backhaus
January 12, 2016
dr spicer was one of the best vet I ever used very good with the horses especially when things were not good. thank you for your services and rest in peace thanks for everything.
Dione
January 12, 2016
Dr. Spicer, you were such a great person and old school vet. You handled my crazy horse with such ease, you amazed me. You will be missed. RIP
Jennifer Callies
January 12, 2016
Dr Spicer was an outstanding vet. He will be missed.
Heidi Thompson
January 12, 2016
Jim you were an amazing and compassionate man, vet father and husband. Always there to help . I will miss you along with Cheryl. You both have made a difference in so many young people's lives. The world was blessed to have both of you.....
Angel
January 12, 2016
Dad, I am still in shock of you leaving us way too soon. I know that you are with Mom now, but it just doesn't seem fair to lose you too. I know you will be up in heaven taking care of all the animals with Mom. God will take good care of you. I am going to miss you. Dad, I love you!!
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