James William (Bill) Springer passed away June 1st, 2021 in Georgetown, Texas. Bill was born on May 18th, 1939 in Kansas City, Missouri to Roland Angus Springer and Frances Wheeler Springer but the family soon relocated to Georgetown where Angus taught at Southwestern University, Frances taught at Georgetown High School, and Bill started and completed his public-school education.
Upon graduation from Georgetown High School (class of ’57), Bill served in the Marine Corps for two years in San Diego, California, and while there played on the Marine Corp tennis team. After his service, he continued his education at both the University of Texas and Southwestern University, where he graduated with a BA in Theater (class of ’66), with his father being his major professor.
Bill developed a passion for communication by working at a Georgetown radio station (a polka show for one), announcing for the high school football games, and through his involvement with various productions at Southwestern. Bill, with his memorable voice, contributed in many ways to the theater life of the university, and remained faithful to his alma mater all of his life.
After beginning his career in television in Pueblo, Colorado, where he did news, sports, and weather, Bill settled in Houston, Texas where he became an on-air personality at Channel 2, the NBC affiliate. Bill’s tenure at Channel 2 lasted more than 20 years, the bulk of which were spent as a contributing producer of the long running weekly Eyes of Texas television series. For this show, he filmed, edited, researched, wrote the script, and narrated the majority of his stories. Bill spent the latter part of his career in municipal television, first in Missouri City, Texas, and finally in Stafford, Texas, where he established and ran the television department for that community.
After retiring and returning to Georgetown in 2009, Bill was able to devote more time to one of his many passions, photography. He could frequently be seen at family and community functions with his trusty Canon in his hands, and Jana has many photo albums filled with memories of their travels together. Photography was not Bill’s only talent, along with his considerable grilling and baking skills (his peanut butter cookies and key lime pie are highlights) Bill was also a performer. Once back in Georgetown, he was able to revisit his theater roots by performing in two productions including one on the Angus and Frances Springer Memorial Stage at the Georgetown Palace Theater.
Bill is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jana Springer; step-daughters, Kim Eden of Dallas and Kerri Morgan of Houston; granddaughter, Morgan Eden of Dallas; sister, Mary Ann Whitfield of Houston; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was a much valued friend and mentor to many.
Please consider a donation in his memory to either the Palace Theater or the Assistance League of Georgetown Area.
Visitation for family and friends will be at Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service following.
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