Mr. James Vernon Spence

James was born in Raleigh on March 27, 1943, to Ruth McLeod Spence and William Eugene Spence. As an infant and later as a teenager, he lived in Angier with his beloved grandmother, Stella McLeod, whom he called Mama. At Angier High School, where he graduated in 1961, he met Ann Adams, who became his first wife, the mother of their two daughters, co-spoiler of grandsons, and cherished friend for life.

James received an associate degree in drafting from Wake Technical Community College, and for much of his career he worked as a mechanical engineer, chiefly with ITT and Northern Telecom. After retirement, he could sometimes be found at the NC State Fairgrounds flea market, where he sold refurbished vacuums and parts. He was an inventor, a tinkerer, and a prodigious builder of decks, outbuildings, and one unforgettable treehouse. He was an instant friend to all dogs, most children, and some cats. He was a flirt and sometimes a scoundrel, easy to love but hard to live with. He would give you his last ten dollars and the shirt off his back. He might would buy you a car. If the car left you stranded, he would come and get you.

James is survived by his children Jennifer Spence (Bruce) Fowler and June Spence (Scott Huler); his grandchildren Louis James Spence Huler and Augustus Arlen Spence Huler; nieces and nephews Jane Burkett, Janet Boucher, Jerry Evans, and Tom Evans; and beloved pups Penny, Josie, Oliver, Chico, and Dobby.

Having beaten cancer in 2001, James thought he might do so again, but ultimately hope gave way to acceptance, and in his final weeks and days he took comfort in family and friends, most notably his son-in-law Bruce, who was his tireless caregiver and best buddy. Dear friends Steve McGee, Rich Flanagan, and Jake Carpenter offered boundless support and good company. His oncology team at Wake Med and hospice caregivers at Promedica/Heartland respected his wishes and pivoted quickly to meet his needs as they changed.

We will gather informally to celebrate James's life at 2601 Pleasant Union Church Rd. on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations honoring James may be sent to the local dog rescue organization Saving Grace (savinggracenc.org).