James Laurence Spencer

James “Jim” L. Spencer passed away at the age of 74 from a swiftly-moving inoperable brain tumor on Friday, September 30, 2016, with his wife of 26 years, Shirley Lorraine Spencer, at his side. Jim was born February 19, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA, to Dorothe and Henry H. Spencer. He grew up in the Los Angeles area where he attended school, graduated from Cal State LA and Southwestern School of Law. He served in the United States Army as military intelligence, spending time in both Korea and working at the Pentagon.

Jim was well known in many circles. His solo law practice focused on estates and corporations. Jim taught business law courses at Ventura College for nearly 40 years. His interest in magic began at age 14 and continued to the present. As half of Spencer/Lorraine Entertainment since 1988, he brought magical and comedy performances to many charitable organizations and private parties. Jim’s primary persona was that of Professor Tinker, a medicine show recreation of old west vintage.

He was co-author of “Two On the Aisle,” writing theater reviews for the Ventura Breeze and the Ventura County Reporter for over 20 years. Jim liked to say that he wrote the vowels and Shirley wrote the consonants, because there were more of them. His own years of performance as an actor and singer on local stages endeared him to many.

Jim was a long-time member of the California Bar Association, Hollywood’s Magic Castle Academy of Magical Arts, Downtown Rotary, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Toastmasters International, Business Network International Network of Champions, and many other arts and charitable organizations through the years.

An avid theater-goer, Jim was a major force behind establishing the Ventura REP awards for recognizing local talent which has evolved into an unprecedented cooperation among Ventura County theaters.

Jim is survived by his wife, Shirley Lorraine; children, Wendy Spencer, and Kathy Ax-Spencer; step-son, Philip (Rachel) Casanta; grandchildren, Christie, Tiger, Giovanni, and Francesca; brother, John (Linda) Spencer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was extremely proud of all of his family, close and extended alike. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothe, and Henry Spencer.

A memorial service will be held on the day before International Day of Magic, Sunday, October 30, 2016, 2:00 P.M., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA.

Jim would be honored to have contributions made to a local theater of your choice, or to the Salvation Army, Ventura Corps.

Arrangements under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.