James donned many hats, one of which was always a ball cap, in his long life. Husband to his beautiful bride Wilma, whom he married in June of 1952. Father of two successful children, son Mike and daughter Carrie, also grandfather and great grandfather.
Speck, as he was often known by, also wore the occasional helmet, first as an over 55 year Union Iron Worker, and as a Cannoneer in the U.S. Army, making his way up to the rank of Corporal.
His favorite hat though, was blaze orange, and he threw it on every fall. James was an avid outdoorsman never missing a deer or turkey season, or the catfish spawning in the early part of summer, until he was no longer able to do so.
He also wore the hat of a good friend, teacher of everything mechanical, bladesmith, wood-worker, story teller, and just all around good man.
James is preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Gertie, his brother Cecil, sister, Lucille, and the love of his life Wilma. He is survived by his daughter Carrie, his son Mike, grandchildren Chrystal & Steven, and great grandson Caden.
