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James "Jimmy" Morgan Spencer
Born: 4/30/1949
Died: 10/15/2026
Age: 77
Community: Davison, MI
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James Morgan “Jimmy” Spencer
April 30, 1949 – October 15, 2026
James Morgan “Jimmy” Spencer, age 77, of Davison, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Lavigne Home for Compassionate Care.
Jimmy was born on April 30, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, to Jack Hastings Spencer and Rita Mae (Platz) Spencer. He grew up with his four siblings in a modest two-bedroom home on Stevenson Street in Flint. With seven family members under one roof, space was limited, but love and memories were abundant. Jimmy and his brother Ronnie shared a pullout sofa in the front room, making their bed and putting it away each morning before the day began.
Despite the home’s modest size, Jimmy’s father, Jack, found creative ways to make life enjoyable, even building a one-lane bowling alley in the basement. Just a block away was Ballenger Park, where Jimmy spent countless hours playing with neighborhood friends. The Spencer family also enjoyed walking together to Atwood Stadium to watch ball games and other events. These simple pleasures and family traditions helped shape the man Jimmy would become.
A natural athlete, Jimmy was a talented youth baseball player who played first base. He later played golf while attending Flint Central High School, graduating in 1967. His love of sports, especially golf and bowling, continued throughout his life.
Jimmy developed a strong work ethic at an early age. At just 13 years old, he began delivering the Flint Journal, managing an impressive newspaper route of 151 stops. At 16, he started working at Kroger’s Grocery Store, where he would spend more than 20 years.
Jimmy was known for being early for work, often arriving 30 to 45 minutes before everyone else. His dependability, dedication, and pride in doing things right were evident throughout his career.
Like many young men growing up in Flint, Jimmy loved his cars. His first was a light-blue 1956 Buick Special, which he proudly purchased after borrowing $150 from his sister Pat. He enjoyed cruising the local A&W and McDonald’s near Clio and Pasadena Roads, making memories with friends during those carefree years.
In 1969, at age 18, Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Immediately after completing his military training, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served his country in combat with the distinguished 1st Cavalry Division. His courage and service earned him numerous military decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. His service to his country remained an important part of his life, and he deeply treasured the bonds he formed with his fellow veterans.
On June 10, 1972, Jimmy married the love of his life, Suzanne Sova, at Holy Redeemer Church. Together, they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, cherished memories, and family.
Jimmy was a believer in Christ, and his faith was an important part of his life. He found comfort in God’s love and trusted in the promise of eternal life.
Following his years at Kroger, Jimmy continued his professional career with National Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., where he served as Vice President of Operations from 1985 until his retirement in 2012. Throughout his 27 years with the company, Jimmy took pride in his work, his responsibilities, and the relationships he built along the way.
While Jimmy accomplished much throughout his life, nothing meant more to him than his family. He was the proud father of two daughters, Jamie and Carly, whom he loved dearly. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jimmy treasured every moment spent with those he loved. He rarely, if ever, said no to his children or grandchildren, and nothing made him happier than having them close. Whether sharing a laugh, making memories, or giving the grandkids rides on his John Deere tractor, his family was always his greatest joy.
Jimmy had a personality that could brighten any room. Often the life of the party and the last one to leave, he loved being around people, sharing stories, and enjoying the company of family and friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a kind heart, and a gentle soul.
He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, listening to music, and creating his famous videos through his own “Jimmy Jam Productions.” He also took great pride in caring for his lawn, especially when he could climb aboard his beloved John Deere tractor. Jimmy had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories, and his friendships, including those formed through his military service, meant a great deal to him.
Jimmy is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Suzanne (Sova) Spencer; his daughters, Jamie (Ryan) Dobbs and Carly (Ryan) Lamb; his grandchildren, Cierra and Jacob DuFour, Cross Dobbs, Sophie Lamb, and Ella Lamb; and his great-grandchildren, Crue and Hayes DuFour.
He is also survived by his sister, Pat and Denny Lloyd; his brothers, Ronnie Spencer, and Casey and Diane Spencer; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gary and Jackie Sova, John and Cindy Knuuti, and Patrick and Jane Sova; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Rita Spencer; his in-laws, Everett and Shirley Sova; his sister, Jeannie Thomas; and his brother-in-law, Michael Sova.
Funeral Arrangements
Visitation will take place at Swartz Funeral Home 1225 W Hill Rd., Flint MI 48507 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at Swartz Funeral Home Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Steve Wood officiating, Military Services to follow.
Cremation will follow the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Medical Team Hospice in Flint, Michigan, in appreciation of the compassion and care provided to Jimmy and his family.
Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com |
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| Visitation |
| Date: |
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10/20/2026 |
| Time: |
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4:00 PM |
Visitation will take place at Swartz Funeral Home 1225 W Hill Rd., Flint MI 48507 on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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10/21/2026 |
| Time: |
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11:00 AM |
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| Location: |
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Swartz Funeral Home & Cremation Center
1225 West Hill Road
Flint, MI 48507Get a Map to this location...
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| Official: |
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Pastor Steve Wood |
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