James Harris Spencer

James Harris (Jim) Spencer passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024 at Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community, at the age of 96. He had a lifelong love of music, could fix just about anything you put in front of him and was always ready to learn about new technologies in computing and videography, even into his 90’s.

Jim was born in Liberty, NC in 1928. He served his country in the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery among numerous other medals. He married his beloved wife DeEstis (Dee) in 1957 and they moved to Raleigh, where Jim attended NC State University. They had 59 years together before she passed away in 2016. Jim co-owned Dixon and Spencer TV and then had his own shop, Jim Spencer TV Service for over 30 years. Jim is survived by his daughter Jill, son Jack (wife Chris), grandchildren Daniel, Jenny and Katie, and great-grandson Teddy.

The Spencer family would like to express their profound appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful staff at Springmoor. In addition to caring for and befriending Jim, you helped him be there for Dee during her struggle with Alzheimer’s and did so much to make their final years easier and happier.

If you would like to honor Jim, He would be pleased if you donated to the Springmoor Endowment Fund at Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community, 1500 Sawmill Road, Raleigh NC 27615.

With a heavy but but now tranquil heart, I am posting that my father Jim passed away at Springmoor Retirement Community in the early hours of Monday morning 3/11.

My Dad had been fully independent until about 6 weeks ago, when he began exhibiting signs of Congestive Heart Failure. Until then he had rarely been sick and did nearly everything for himself. He had a 16 day stay in our Health Center where he received amazing end-of-life care by the staff at Springmoor and Transitions Hospice.

I was SO privileged to remain by his side for the entire 16 days, and was there to hold his hand and stroke his hair as he took his last breath. He went peacefully, as if his spirit was just lifted softly away into the arms of God. I am So very grateful to have been there and witnessed such a beautiful and gentle transition.

My Dad was the best person I have ever known. He was quiet, kind, patient, generous, and constantly helping everyone he was in contact with. He was this way all of his life, a helper and "fixer".

There was not anything my Dad could not repair, rig up, or build. As my brother mentioned in another post, I too never remember a repairman of any kind coming to our house.

Jim was a Purple Heart recipient (among many other military medals), a Korean War Army Veteran. Strong as an ox and tough as nails. A Recoilless Rifle firing, Rocket launching Badass. As a little girl I had a favorite book called "My Father Can Do Anything". That about sums it up.

Jim had many many friends, most of who, along with many family members, had predeceased him. He also had many staff who had gotten to know and love him in his 20 years at Springmoor.

He will be greatly missed, especially by ME, who has always been, and always will be, a "DADDYS GIRL".

Jim Spencer was a strong man. Even into his 90’s he insisted on lifting things he should have left to others. Jim Spencer was a healthy man. He was almost never sick, and the rare times he was, it didn’t slow him down for long. Jim Spencer was a smart man. He tinkered with nearly everything from an early age and could fix almost anything. I don’t ever remember a repairman coming to our house. He ran his own business selling and repairing TVs and other electronics for as long as he worked. Jim Spencer was all of this and more. He taught me so much during his lifetime. It’s been very hard seeing someone this strong, smart and healthy reduced to being somewhat helpless and feeble over the last few weeks.

Jim Spencer passed away this morning at 96 years old. Rest in peace, my father. Say hi to mom for me. I love you.