Dear Spann Family,

I am saddened to have heard about your loss and that it has taken weeks for this news to reach me. 

As Publisher of the leading magazine serving the professional carpet industry, I had the pleasure of meeting James at the MAP show annually in Lake Geneve WI and later in St. Charles IL. going back over 2 decades. My predecessor, Howard Olansky, knew James for 2 decades before that. as he was always present when there was a gathering of carpet cleaners in the Midwest. 

I will always recall his perfect uniform and his IICRC patches that he wore so proudly and his infectious smile. 

I had not seen James in many years until last year wheen I made a trip to Chicago and saw him at a meeting of the CRCII (Of course) and I am pleased that I got to have had a nice conversation with him on the phone this past July. 

Our industry was blessed to have been represented by James Spann.

All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Evan Kessler, Publisher,
ICS Cleaning Specialist magazine

To the Spann Family, I am deeply sorry for your loss but in so many ways I am also deeply sorry for the loss to our industry. Jim was Giant in our industry whose integrity and passion for doing things right was unmatched. There were many times, early in my career when I would ask myself what would Jim do and  with a quick call I would find out. Jim was never too busy to help out a fellow cleaner and his presence at a convention, trade show, or meeting was usually a teaching session for him to all who would listen, and so many did.

The family has lost a husband, father, grandfather and family member; the cleaning industry has lost an irriplacable, larger than life scholar, gentleman, and friend. I was privilaged to know Jim for some 40 years and I will miss his notes, his wisdom, and the pride he had for being apart of our industry.
I know we are all better off because he touched our lives and our businesses.

Vince Caffarello

Dear Jeanine and Family,
Very glad that your dad enjoyed a long life.  It is always difficult to lose a parent.  With love and prayers,

Our family has fond memories of Mr. Spann.  May he rest in peace.
-The Sanders Family

Jeanine, our love and prayers are with you and your family.

When I worked early mornings, about once or twice a month my cell phone would ring at 3:30am. It was Jim just letting me know he was praying for me. This man loved Jesus! And that was so encouraging. I'm glad he's with Him in person now.

Jim and I talked together just hours before he went to be with Our Lord.
We talked about seeing Jim and Joel 10/8-18 for a game of golf. What a great brother, I could NEVER beat him. Prayers for Joel and family.
Brother John & Florence Spann
fo

The Spann family has our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers,

Sending prayer & concolence to Jeannine & her family.
Fondly,
Helen & Bob Hoge

Jim always showed a genuine interest in other people. He was there to encourage and help when that was needed. He was a man of integrity. Most of all, he was a gentleman. No wonder so many of his clients were delighted to invite him into their homes! May he rest in peace.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Jim Spann. He was truly a remarkable man. Every time I called on him to clean my carpets, I would ask, “when are you going to retire?” I couldn’t believe all the energy he had! He always had a kind word, and I enjoyed hearing stories from his life in the Navy. He had such a positive attitude on life. He always had something good to say, he loved his wife so much, and he was a true professional in his work. He was from a generation like no other – living through hardships, but coming out of them because of their faith. This world truly lost a great man when God called him home.
Michael & Janice Murphy

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joel and the Spann Family. Jim was a Special Friend and gave so much love and care to those who were fortunate to know him.  We have great Memories:  he was mc at our wedding reception and made us laugh with cow jokes!  He will be missed and we pray that the God of all Grace and Mercy, Comfort you with Peace.  Love Always

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joel and the Spann Family.  Jim was a special friend who lived life to the fullest and gave so much love and care to those who were fortunate to have known him.  We have so many great memories:  he was the mc at our wedding reception and made us all laugh with cow jokes.  We will miss him and pray that the God of all Grace and Mercy, Comfort your Hearts and give you Peace.  Love Always

Joel, Jonathan and Family,
We send you our deepest condolences and prayers.  We will miss Jim a lot he was a great guy!  He always gave me fatherly advice and I thank him for it.  He has been in my thoughts for about the last 3 months and I never got around to calling.  Now every time I go to the store to get milk I will think of Jim and his buttermilk which he loved!  You are all in our thoughts and prayers.  
With Love,
Ann and Cary Mednick
Don't cry because its over, smile because it happen.

Joel, Jonathan and family: I send you my sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers. Jim was such a kind,funny, and wise christian man. I so enjoyed talking with him and hearing his stories and jokes whenever he and Jonathan came to clean my carpets. May God surround you all with His peace, love and comfort you. Marilyn Foster  (Elaine Jorndt's cousin)

Jonathan and Family,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.  Your father was a wonderful man who was an example to us all. He is missed for his humor, positive attitude and reassuring manner.
Warm regards,
Maureen and Mike Furey

OBITUARY

James Justice Jim L. Spann

September 13, 1925 – September 10, 2011

Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home

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