Jimmie “Jim” Ray Spencer, lovingly known as PopPop, passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be held at a later date. He will be laid to rest with honors at Magnolia Park Cemetery.

 Jim was born on May 7, 1937, in Butler, Missouri. At 17, he joined the United States Navy, beginning a 20-year military career marked by duty and integrity. Serving as a Signalman and rising to the rank of Petty Officer First Class, Jim exemplified dedication and unwavering loyalty—traits that defined not only his time in uniform but also the way he lived as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After retiring from the Navy in 1974, he continued his life of service with a 20-year career at Warner Robins Air Force Base.

For 66 years, Jim stood beside his beloved wife, Helen Louise Spencer, building a life grounded in love, respect, and resilience. Together, they raised three daughters: Janna English (Bennie), Diana Lord (Jason), and Raeanna Pitzer (Stoney). He was a proud and cherished grandfather to six grandchildren — Jessica Carrier (Tommy), Jarred English (Candice), Justin English (Kim), Campbell, Carson, and Hannah— and a loving great-grandfather to Reagan, Shelby, Jameson, and Selah. He is also survived by his sister Lori Peterson (Gary) of Oregon. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Spencer and Thelma Maxine McElroy, his brothers John, Neal, Gary and one infant sister. 

Jim found joy in the simple pleasures of life: golfing on sunny mornings, casting a line in the water, crafting birdhouses for his wife, and working with leather. He was a man of steady hands, quiet humor, and a deep, enduring love for his family.

PopPop will be remembered for his strong moral compass, gentle spirit, and the warmth he brought to every moment. His legacy lives on in every birdhouse built, every porch conversation, and every life he quietly and profoundly touched. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to be made on Jim's behalf to help another U.S. Veteran, such as www.t2t.org.

Please sign the online guest registry at www.heritagemfh.com and leave a personal condolence for the family.

Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory has the honor of being entrusted with the arrangements.