James L. Spencer

James Spencer Obituary

SPENCER JAMES L. SPENCER, D.V.M. (Age 57) Of Star Tannery, Virginia, died at his home Tuesday May 11, 2010. He was born in Midland, Michigan, October 22, 1952, the son of the late Allan "Douglas" and Genevieve (Colmus) Spencer. James graduated from Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine March 19, 1976. He owned and operated his veterinary practice in Arlington, Virginia for 22 years retiring to his farm in the Shenandoah Valley in 2006. After retirement, Dr. Jim continued to offer his services to family, friends and String of Pearls Animal Rescue of Strasburg, Virginia. Survivors include his brothers, Terry and Anna Spencer of Vanderbilt, Michigan, Thomas and Bonnie Spencer of Coleman, Michigan, David and Carol Spencer of Coleman, Robert and Susan Spencer of Memphis, Tennessee, Richard and Bonnie Spencer of Holland, Partner of 18 years, John Marlette and Jim''s beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Connie Joseph. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Monday, May 17, 2010 at the O''Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc., 215 W. Adams St., Coleman, MI, with Rev. Caroline Hart, officiating. Burial will take place in the Warren Township Cemetery, Coleman. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and on Monday starting from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials are suggested to the String of Pearls Animal Rescue of Strasburg, Virginia.

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Published by The Washington Post on May 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Spencer

Sponsored by Some of Jim's loyal clients at Ballston Animal Hospital who miss him terribly.

15 Entries

Greg Edquist

September 30, 2019

I am very sad to hear the news of Jims passing. We studied together at MSU. He will be missed by everyone who met him.

Shae Leighland

June 12, 2010

Jim was a wonderful person, a kind friend, and took phenomenal care of our family's familiars for over three decades. We will miss him very much.

Two boaters who were in his loving care

Sharon McKay

June 9, 2010

Jim. Spencer was a lover of animals and a lover of music and the arts. He ministered to my many cats throughout the years in Arlington. We crossed each other's path socially and laughed about how many of the same people we knew through artistic connections. We even shared a birthday. I have yet to find another Vet to take his place and I've more or less given up. He brought a quiet love into the exam room and all my animals knew it.
Bless you, Jim, may you rest in the love and peace that you so readily gave away to your patients and their parents.

Alice & Yosemite Sam

May 28, 2010

Jim will not only be missed by the many humans he came in contact with but the entire animal kingdom. John he will always be with you.

Lynn Baird

May 25, 2010

I met Jim as a college student, waaaaay back when he was just taking over Carbone Animal Hospital (in Arlington VA). It was my second home and I worked there for 2 years. As hard as it is to lose a free spirit like Jim, he is with all of beloved animal friends now. And Emma-kitty will be there to greet you!
John--Jim's body may be gone from this earth, but he is not suffering any more. He will be with you, always, in your heart.
Love to both of you and your families.
Lynn Staffieri Baird

the surgical suite at Ballston Animal Hospital(early '90s). In this picture are Jim Spencer DVM(center), Maria Allen(left) and Peggy Roth DVM(right)

Maria Allen

May 18, 2010

Maria Allen

May 18, 2010

Jim was my first real boss at Ballston Animal Hospital(formerly Carbone Animal Hospital). He was the best! He hired me with no experince and taught me well! And I stayed for 16 1/2yrs!
His way and kindness with animals and thier owners will never be surpassed in my eyes.
Jim, you were not only my boss and my pets vet, you were a true friend and you will be sorely missed!
My sincerest condolences go out to John and Jim's family and friends.
I added a picture of Jim and me at Ballston because this is how i remember him.

Jessica, the hospital's misfit. SHe hated going back there, even though they loved her!

Barbara Allen

May 18, 2010

Dr. Jim hired my daughter and she worked for his hospital for 16 years. He took care of three of my cats over the years. I trust that the Great Animal Lover above has surrounded him with all the animals that he cared for. We look forward to meeting them all again in the hereafter.

May 18, 2010

Jim had a kind heart and soft words and was loved by all animals and clients at Shenandoah Animal Hospital. He was unique and will be truly missed. My condolences go to his partner John, personal pets, family, and friends. Debra D. Scott,DVM

Weatherly & Larry

May 17, 2010

Thanks to Dr. Spencer for truly making an impact and helping so many animals. There just aren't enough people like him in the world today.

Naomi Aslan

May 17, 2010

I first met Dr. Spencer when he began practicing in Northern Virginia many years ago. He was the most caring and thoughtful person. He had a wonderful way with animals and people, too. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

May 17, 2010

Jim was a wonderful friend and neighbor,he died so young,and will be missed so much. Ed and Sandy Payne

Lee Osina

May 17, 2010

String of Pearls has lost a dear friend...we are devastated...

Dr. Spencer loved each and every animal he touched...he will be truly missed...

Lee

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