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James Earl Spencer

March 4, 1953 - July 28, 2024

James Earl Spencer, known as Jim by those who knew
him, departed this world just as he would have wanted,
peacefully at home on July 28, 2024, in the loving care of
his wife Joyce and sister Anna.


Born in Lancaster, PA on March 4 th , 1953, to Fred and
Margaret Spencer, the oldest of six siblings.
Survived by brother Brian (Anita) Spencer, sister Anna
Smith, brother Fred (Renea) Spencer, and numerous
nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by brothers
Bill Spencer, Dale Spencer, and his parents.


Jim grew up in Elkton and attended Elkton high school
where he met his high school sweetheart, loving wife and
forever friend Joyce E. Morgan, they shared 51 years
together. Jim and Joyce moved to the family home of Jim’s
beloved grandparents James & Anna Riley in Rising Sun.
They raised a son, James E Spencer Jr. who blessed
them with a granddaughter Alexus Spencer both of South
Carolina.


Jim worked hard all his life, beginning at a young age
tending to chores and caring for his siblings who looked up
to him. His work life began at Wiley’s manufacturing, from
there he went to work at Crouse Construction repairing
heavy equipment. When he began working at Rock
Springs Hardware, he and Joyce formed lifelong
friendships with Dave & Gilda Anderson. They became

more like family, Dave’s grandson Michael recalled
learning to drive a tractor from Jim and watching him grin
from ear to ear the whole time. When the store closed, Jim
went to work for Oxford Area school district and a whole
new group of people were lucky enough to know him.
From an early age, Jim gained knowledge and love for
tractors that was unmatched. He could fix anything, and
everyone knew it. Jim never stopped; he was a caretaker
for his grandmother, along with Joyce, for many years. He
would give or do anything for anyone who needed it.


When he wasn’t working, Jim enjoyed many things. He
loved to fish and spent untold hours on the water
catfishing with Joyce, or perch fishing with Kenny, Mike,
Danny, or Donnie. Later he became a huge fan of
YouTube videos featuring Catfish Dave. He enjoyed
hunting and taught several young people to enjoy it too.
Jim had a love of the simpler way of life. He grew
vegetables and flowers, tended to, and adored his flocks
of chickens, ducks, and guinea. He delighted in his
sometimes very vocal inside birds and most recently found
immense joy in watching “Woody” the woodpecker in the
tree just off his porch.


Jim never came to anyone’s house empty handed, he
would come bearing gifts of food he had made, fish he
caught, eggs from his “girls,” flowers, or tools he thought
you needed, always with a big grin. When he had time to

spare, he used YouTube videos to teach himself a new
craft and often surprised several of us with beautiful gifts
he had made.


Jim was a devoted friend, and he had many who were just
as devoted to him. Randy & Nicole Savage, neighbors, but
more like family. Mike Cole, the two of them spent hours
shooting the breeze and they were always there for one
another. So many cherished friends, to list them all would
be impossible. The garage gatherings were the best, the
young people especially hung on to his every word.


Jim was hard working, loving, kind, fun and a giving man
who relished the simple life, he did not want a service of
any kind. To be honest he would not be happy about the
fuss made over him in this obituary, but he deserves the
fuss and so much more.


A celebration of his life will be held later.

© 2023 by SJ.

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