James Franklin Spearman

he was affectionately known, was called to be with the Lord on August 9, 2016 in La Jolla, California. Jim begin his early walk with Jesus as a junior deacon at

the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Knoxville. He graduated in 1956 from Knoxville Austin High School where he was very popular among his classmates and also

a trumpet player in the high school band.

In 1956, Jimmy entered the United States Marine Corps and worked in the Field of Intelligence, as an Aerial Photo Image Interpreter, during the Vietnam War.

He was awarded the Pistol Expert Badge, Rifle Expert Badge, Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation Civil Action Color (First Class), Letter of Appreciation,

and Good Conduct Medal. As a life-long learner, he became certified in Automotive Mechanics and completed numerous specialized trainings while serving.

He served for 21 years until honorably discharged in 1977 as a Gunnery Sergeant.

Jimmy met a beautiful young lady, named Eartha Lee Hall on a blind date in 1957. She became the love of his life and they married on April 11, 1958. They

began their life together in Knoxville, Tennessee. From this union five children were born. Their union of 59 years was blessed and built on a foundation of

love, commitment, hard work and prayer. They instilled these same values in their children. In 1967 Jimmy was stationed at Camp Pendleton and settled his

family in Oceanside, California soon after. He showed tremendous love for his family and worked multiple jobs to provide for them. Jim sold Kirby vacuum

cleaners and worked at JC Penny's while continuing to serve in the military. After retirement from the military, Jim began employment at Southern California

Edison and remained there for 17-1/2 years, retiring in 1994. He worked an additional four years following for the Touch Control Computer Company.

Jimmy continued his education and earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Palomar College in 1982. He was active in the community of Oceanside where

he served on the Senior Commission Board for the City of Oceanside and was a member of the Senior Expo Committee. Jim served as former President of the

Involved Men of Oceanside. He volunteered at Interfaith Coastal Service Center and served on the Board of Directors for Faith Based Credit Union. He was a

wonderful leader in service to others and loved by many.

Jimmy was a huge Raiders fan. You could find him sitting in his favorite chair rooting for his team or watching westerns, black and white of course! He loved

spending time with his family, beautifying his yard, working on his computer and tinkering in his workshop. Whenever an event, a camera was always strapped

across his chest and memories created. His humor always brought chuckles and still does.

Jim was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church for many years, working with the Caring Committee in early years and actively serving as a

Deacon and Church Photographer in recent years.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Franklin Spearman, mother, Elizabeth Lowery Spearman, and son, William "Frankie" Spearman. His memory

will be kept alive in the hearts of his devoted wife, Eartha Lee Spearman, daughters, Donna R. Oglesby, Dana L. Ridgeway, Tammy M. Williams, son, James

Robert Spearman, grandchildren, Ray III, Cameron, Danaisha, Candace, Carissa, Darryl II, Tayler, Imani, James Robert, Jr., Brandon, Brianna, great-

grandchildren, Riyo, B.J., Kenzo and a host of In-laws, cousins, relatives and forever friends.

A visitation was held on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel in Oceanside, California.

A celebration of life was held on Friday, August 19, 2016 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Oceanside, California.

Mr. Spearman's final resting place is Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California.

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