James R. Spring

Our beloved father, James Roland Spring, passed away peacefully Monday, January 6, 2014 in Sierra Vista, AZ. James was born April 23, 1927 to John R. and Ruth E. Spring in Los Angeles, Ca. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Mary Helen Spring; and is survived by his four children: John and wife Lorraine Spring, Marianne Spring, Cheryl and husband COL Randall S. Bostwick, Patricia Spring and husband Charles Alpers, twelve grandchildren: Paloma, Nori, Niko, Ben, Will, Krista, Naya, John, Jimi, Jonathan, Barry and Stephen; and four great-grandchildren Clover, Grace, Danielle and William.

James and Helen moved their family to Tucson, AZ in 1969 from California and resided there for 30 years. James was an executive at the esteemed insurance agency Snodgrass, Lovitt, Downey and Touché until he retired in his early 70’s. After his wife passed, he spent many years in the Santa Barbara area – he loved being near the ocean. He was a fisherman all his life, lover of the sea and all that nature bestows. Many adventures were had by James, his son John and their many fishing buddies in Mexico – his favorite fishing spots included Cabo San Lucas, San Carlos, Guaymas – even Ensenada in Baja California, long before the tourists discovered them. His family spent many a vacation in fishing camps where they would have the most delicious grilled fish nightly when the fishermen returned with their bounty.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, mentor and friend in the truest form. He was an honorable man serving in the United States Army during the final months and as part of the post-WWII occupation of Germany. He was quick to laugh, always ready to sail and loved to enjoy a Manhattan at Harry’s in Santa Barbara. James will be greatly missed by all fortunate enough to have been graced by his life and by his four children who will love him forever.

All services will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary and Cemetery. A Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2014 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service Tuesday, January 14, 2014 with Graveside Service to follow.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.