Mr. James Spear

Mr. James Franklin Spear, 75, of La Porte, IN passed a way early Saturday, December 15, 2012 at Golden Living Center-Fountainview Terrace, LaPorte, IN. He was born January 24, 1937, in Morgan Township, Porter County, IN to the late Harry George and Suzanne (Strban) Spear. He was formerly married to Nancy Hagenow Byers (predeceased), the mother of his sons, Mark and Scott. He was married briefly to Barbara Hazelbaker; they had no children. He is survived by one son, Scott M. Spear and wife Cindy and grandchildren, Ryan, Andrew and Rachel of Avon, IN. Also, brothers; George Spear and the late Charlotte Hansen Spear, Quincy, IL; Clarence Spear and wife Carol formerly of La Porte, currently in Sturgis, MI; John Spear and his wife Sharry, La Porte; Louis R. Spear of Kingsbury, IN. Sisters: Anna Salay and husband Robert, Cadillac, MI; and Mary Jane Goad and husband James, Fort Worth, TX. Sister-in-law: Mary Ann (Spear) Pennington, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Harry and Suzanne Spear, Jim was preceded in death by son Mark James Spear who died in a tragic motorcycle accident in 1982; a brother Capt. William A. Spear and sister Susanna Spear (Robert C.) Brown. In his teenage years the Spear family moved from Valparaiso to a farm in Kankakee Township, La Porte County where he attended Rolling Prairie High School and graduated in 1955. He enjoyed sports, Glee Club, and FFA activites. He was also active in 4-H and Rural Youth Clubs. Following high school, he graduated from the College of Commerce, South Bend, IN. He served in the US Army from 1959 to 1965 and attained the rank of SSGT E-6, in Battery C, 5th Howitzer Battalion, and 60th Artillery Company at La Porte. Jim was engaged in farming in the early years of his lifetime and was a truck driver prior to his retirement. He was fond of old cars and farm equipment and was well-known for his exquisite restoration of a classic John Deere tractor and combine that he exhibited in local parades and festivals. He enjoyed attempting to grow potted tomato plants on his patio each summer. A favorite pastime was sharing his faith in God and listening to hymns. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Thursday, December 20, 2012 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 10:00 am with Rev. Ronald A. Brauer officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, Indiana. In lieu of flowers friends and family may make memorial contributions to St John's Lutheran Church and School, 111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350. www.stjohns-lpin.org. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. James F. Spear please visit our Sympathy Store.