James Spencer

The Staff and Management of R. Swinson Funeral Services mourns with the family on the death of Mr. James Spencer, of 909 Cameron Dr, who passed away on Wednesday, June5, 2019 at UNC Lenoir Hospital.

Services will be on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 2:30 PM at the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel.  A public visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 4:00 PM-7:00 PM from the Robert Swinson, Jr. Memorial Chapel.

Homegoing Celebration for

James M. Spencer

Today we gather to say see you later to James M. Spencer, also known as “Jim” and celebrate a life well lived.  James was born in Hyde County to Sallie R. Gibbs and Jason E. Spencer, on June 8, 1943.

Jim was one of seven children and absolutely loved his brothers and sisters wholeheartedly.  He would often tell stories of their life on the farm and how his family moved to Kinston, NC.  According to Jim they were, “The Black Beverly Hillbillies” only they did not have a cement pond.  Jim said the local creek suited him just fine.

Jim excelled in school academically, socially and in sports.  His game of choice was Basketball.  He was fond of all types of music and fancied himself as a vocalist.  Though he really could sing, he only sang around the house or joking with his children.

Jim was drafted in The Army during The Vietnam War.  Basic Training, was at    Ft Gordon, GA.  AIT was at Fort Jackson, SC.  He was stationed at Bein Hoa Air Base, Vietnam.  Jim was extremely proud of his affiliation with The Big Red One.  After two years of service Jim was Honorably Discharged from The Army

Upon returning home Jim married his high school sweetheart, Erma L. Jones.  This union produced three children. James L. Spencer, Cynthia D. Spencer and Teri E. Spencer.  A devout family man, James loved his children mightily.  He would take them on walks through the park teaching them to skip rocks in the pond and teaching them about the local animals and to respect the environment.  He taught his children many things like how to swim, fish, do book reports and to drive.  One of his favorite things to do was to throw his daughters very high into the air and catch them or scare them in the winter by spinning the car on the hill.  At 11p.m. -to 1 a.m. you would find Jim spending quality time with his children watching wrestling and eating Oreo Cookies.

Jim loved hanging out with his homeboys laughing, joking and talking about his beloved COWBOYS.  His friendship with Mr. Grover Grey, Jr. “Coon” a childhood friend and Victor Adams, “Vic” of Plainfield, NJ was a blessing to him and he cherished that bond deeply.

Jim had many younger people in his life that he regarded as his own children.  Tyrone Spencer was like his son and was instrumental in his welfare and raising him to be a fine young man.  Tyrone and his childhood friend Robbie Walker were constant companions of Jim and kept him laughing with their antics.

Jim adored his grandchildren, Tyshira M. (John) Ivey, James Brown, Angela D. Spencer, Jalisa Spencer, Jaylin Spencer and Autumn Spencer.  His eyes lit up in the presence or the very mention of his great grandchildren names, Daron J. Spencer, Jayce Hester-Spencer, Jaleaa Spencer Morrison, Josiah Spencer Brown, Daniel Brown and James Travis Brown III.

Cynthia D. Spencer and Teri E. (William) Spencer will always cherish the love and memories of their father.  Jim was proceeded in death by his son James L. Spencer “Pee-Wee”, his mother Sallie Spencer, his father Jason Spencer, his brother Ernest Gibbs and Mack Spencer as well as his sisters Wilda “Marie” Spencer and Verdie Jones.  Mexico Dawson and Richard Spencer, Jim’s surviving sister and brother will always cherish fond memories of their loving brother.

Rest easy and peaceful Jim, you will be greatly missed.

Love you always.

Burial will take place at a later date in the Fort Jackson Memorial National Cemetery in South Carolina.

Please keep the Family of the Late Mr. James Spencer in your prayers during this time of bereavement.

Professional, sympathetic, dignified, compassionate care and service entrusted to R. Swinson Funeral Services.

Sympathy Cards & Floral Arrangements may be sent to R. Swinson Funeral Services 208 E. Blount St. Kinston NC