James C Spiel

James “Jamie” C. Spiel, 62, was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was larger than life and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Jamie left this world far too soon on November 4th, 2023 after a brief battle with a rare disease.

Jamie was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois on August 20th, 1961 to James and Joan Spiel. As a child, Jamie was very active in sports and grew into a three sport athlete in high school where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball. He grew up in a large and loving family with four sisters and his Aunt Mame.

Jamie graduated from Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois. He went on to receive degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Accounting from Arizona State University. While finishing his degree, Jamie obtained his Pilot License. After graduating, he received a MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Jamie met the love of his life, Kim, on a blind date. The two were married on October 20th, 1990 in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Together, they had two daughters, Mary and Abby. Jamie and Kim celebrated 33 wonderful years of marriage before his passing.

For over 40 years, Jamie had a career in accounting, working in the capacity of a controller and/or financial officer for various companies. He was enthusiastic about working in the restaurant industry and the loyal friends he met along the way.

Jamie played for the ASU Rugby Team and continued his passion for ASU sports long after graduating. He was a dedicated travel softball coach who was very proud of his daughters softball careers at ASU.

Jamie was adventurous and loved the outdoors. His numerous hobbies included golf, grilling, disc golf, poker, reading, hiking, pool basketball, cornhole, bicycling, launching rockets, and going to the beach. Being an uncle was one of Jamie’s greatest joys as he took pleasure in teaching his nieces and nephews some of his favorite hobbies.

Jamie was well known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and charm. One of his most memorable traits was his always present quirky smile! Jamie possessed a positive outlook on life with the ability to make the most of any situation. His presence was undeniable when he entered a room.

Jamie got along with everyone, he was tremendously loyal to his family and friends and always found the good in everyone. He was also an accomplished cook - no family meal would be complete without Jamie’s special sauces. He always found a way to take the lead chef role in the kitchen when it came to making the perfect gravy or his famous chorizo stuffing for Thanksgiving! He was also a dog lover - Magic, Bear and George were all among his favorite dogs and they loved to run with Jamie when he rode his bike.

Jamie was preceded in death by his parents James and Joan Spiel and Godmother, Mame. He is survived by his wife, Kim Spiel and two daughters, Mary and Abby Spiel; Beloved sisters: Susan Habenicht, Sheila Simmerman (Steve Simmerman), Joan Howard (Mike Howard), Christine Spiel; Nephews: Andy Habenicht (Shannon, children Finley and Mac), Joe Habenicht (Candice, child Miller); Ryan Howard (Ali Sova), Kip Simmerman, Casey Simmerman; Nieces: Sophia Jones (Jason, children Eleanor, Julian), Stefanie McGinnis (Seann McGinnis, children Keagan, Madden, Finn), Megan Stapp (Trevor Stapp); In Laws: Jim and Susie Dix (parents of Kim), Kriss Dix (Brother in Law); and many cousins.

Prior to being diagnosed with a rare disease, Jamie was a 16 year survivor of brain cancer and received excellent care from the Barrow Neurological Institute. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to any of the following would be greatly appreciated by the family:

Hospice of the Valley in memory of James Spiel.

Link: https://hov.org/donate/donate-now/

Barrow Neurological Foundation in memory of James Spiel.

Link: https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/

CJD Foundation in memory of James Spiel.

Link: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/cjdfoundation_ptp/donate/