Jimmy "Flyboy" Spears

Jimmy “Flyboy” Spears, of Houston, Texas, passed away March 1st, 2021. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 13th, 1943 to Jim and Junnie Spears. He grew up poor and hustled his classmates shooting marbles so he could help out his parents. Gambling then became a job at an early age, so it is no wonder after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, he became a professional billiards player, where he earned the nickname, “Flyboy.”

Playing against all the greats; Buddy “The Rifleman” Hall, Rudolf “Minnesota Fats” Wanderone, Louie “St. Louie” Roberts, Steve “The Miz” Mizerak, and Grady “The Professor” Mathews, just to name a few. In August of 1976, possibly the toughest field ever assembled in the history of pool, Flyboy was named the W.O.E.N.A Nine Ball Champion. He also won many other times throughout the years in 9-ball, 8-ball, and one pocket tournaments.

In 2009, he was inducted into the One Pocket Hall of Fame and was interviewed by InsidePOOL Magazine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONB4BcQWYNo

"The Lifetime Pool in Action honor this year goes to action legend, Jimmy Flyboy Spears. Over his long career as player, Flyboy has been known as a determined competitor with a reputation for skills, stamina and an eagerness to gamble, making him one of the best high stake’s players of his era. The annual Pool in Action award, which is not limited to One Pocket and Bank Pool, gives fans an opportunity to reach out to some of the uniquely talented and entertaining characters that have made pocket billiards where the action is over the years. Flyboy embodies that spirit."

Flyboy met the love of his life, Mary, in Portland, Oregon, at the pool hall he had been working at in the mid-60’s. The two married on September 23rd, 1968, in Vancouver, Washington. Wasting no time at all, they had their first-born daughter, Kimberly, in October of 1969. Then came their second-born daughter, Kristina, in October of 1974. Eight years later, their last-born, Jimmy, was born in March of 1983.

He spent many summers taking his children on adventures while showing them the country, traveling from Texas to Ohio to Washington, all while playing pool. Flyboy gave up the glamorous life of being a road player in 1982 before his son, Jimmy, was born the following year. He settled down and opened up a vending company in Houston, Texas. Flyboy thrived at his new profession until the love of his life, Mary, lost her battle with cancer in 1991. Shortly afterwards, he packed up his daughter, Kristina, and son, Jimmy, moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he opened up a billiard hall.

His many adventures also led him to playing poker for hours on end. There were plenty of times he went to Binion’s and sat at the table with Doyle Brunson, Johnny Chan or Stu Unger. Unfortunately, in 2000, Flyboy was in a car accident on New Year’s Eve, only slowing him down with a cane. Although, that didn’t stop him from hitting the poker rooms around Houston for days at a time. Gambling was in his blood.

As much as Flyboy loved to gamble, he also was a big family man. One of his favorite things was to make people laugh, so he was constantly cracking jokes. It wasn’t unusual for him to burst into song about the things he was doing or what was going on, bringing a smile to anybody’s face. All around, he was a jolly guy. Those baby blue eyes would light up at the sight of his grandchildren and his bright smile will forever be embedded in our minds.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his father, Jim, his son-in-law, Michael, his mother, Junnie, his brother, Harry, and his sisters: Ann, Linda, and Betty.

He is survived by daughter, Kimberly (husband, Kyle), granddaughter, Jordan, and grandson, Josh, daughter, Kristina, and granddaughter Marley, as well as son, Jimmy, and sisters: Eddie, Ressie, Arlene and Wilma.

In lieu of flowers, Flyboy’s family would appreciate contributions to help the family during this difficult time to Kimberly’s Venmo account, @KimCunningham18.

Visitation for George will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas 77598. A Celebration of George's Life will begin at 2:00PM.