James “Mike” Randall Spencer, age 90 of Peoria, Arizona passed away on Thursday, August 15th, 2019. He was born on July 6, 1929 in Hettinger, North Dakota to Herbert and Ruth Spencer. Mike is survived by his wife of almost 71 years, Hazel Spencer; Children: Cathy Lumm and Cynthia (Bernard) Harrison; 4 Grandchildren: Melissa (John) Villalobos, Michael (Rhonda) Lumm, Jacqueline Escobar and Traci (Neil) Barton; 10 Great Grandchildren: Jack, Jacob, Mikayla, Rhys, Katrina, Darienne, Lindsey, Kendall, Gabrielle and Mariana; 1 Great Great Grandchild: Michael and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Mike’s childhood was spent in Bucyrus, North Dakota where he was the 5th child of six. From stories we have heard, he was quite the little dickens. His mother referred to him as her little firecracker. During high school, Mike lettered in basketball and baseball and was elected vice president of the senior class. Mike helped his dad farm on the family homestead, where he developed a respect for the land and nature. However, his main focus was his high school sweetheart, Hazel. They were married on August 22, 1948. They continued to live in Bucyrus, where they welcomed two daughters.
Eventually the family moved to Minot, ND where he worked as a journeyman electrician. He was a lifelong member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. His expertise and experience brought him to the attention of Johnson Control and they hired him as Project Manager. Mike spent the rest of his career working for them. The job led to them to live in eight different states and allowed them to tour many additional states. When Mike and Hazel retired, they made their final move to Peoria, Arizona where their two daughters lived with their families. He loved his immediate and extended families. He especially enjoyed reunions and teasing all the grandchildren, which led them to check with grandma Hazel to see if grandpa was telling the truth or pulling their leg with another tall tale.
He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family. Mike was the family handyman for three households. He was avid reader of newspapers, books about history, westerns and the stock market. He also enjoyed watching baseball and football.
He was a loving son, brother, husband of almost 71 years, father, and grandfather. He will be deeply missed.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 9:30am and Memorial Service following at 10:30am at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 Del Web Blvd., Sun City, AZ 85351.
