James (Jim) Monroe Spahr's Obituary
James (Jim) Monroe Spahr, 91, passed away on June 25, 2024, in his home. He was born in Dunbar, WV on September 21, 1932, to the late Oliver Monroe Spahr and Kathryn Bourke Spahr.
Shortly after his birth, the Spahr family relocated back to Fairmount, Indiana where Jim went to school and made many life-long friends. Jim graduated from Fairmount High School and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. On March 17, 1960, he married the love of his life, Vernamae White and enjoyed a 44 year marriage until her death in 2004. For over 30 years Jim worked as a skilled tradesman for General Motors and retired February 1, 1993. Jim was a do-it-yourself guy with the skillset to match and was happiest when he was helping friends with their projects or working on his own. He was an avid beekeeper, fisherman and gardener. He and Vernamae retired to a home on Lake Lochloosa where they quickly made many friends and enjoyed fishing, huge neighborhood Fish Frys and fun. After the passing of Vernamae, Jim was blessed to be introduced to the second love of his life, Dixie Rudy and they married September 21, 2006. Jim and Dixie continued to enjoy life on Lake Lochloosa with its fishing, wildlife and their many friends.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Dixie Rudy Spahr, Hawthorne, FL; children, Pamela Bertison, Tamarac, FL; Michele Tame, Ft Wayne, IN; Tami (Steve) Pogue, Jupiter, FL; siblings, Donald (Sara) Spahr; Rosalie (Mike) Thorne; grandchildren, Deidra Cruea Sheets; Tommy (Dawn) Hamaker; Stephanie Fisher; Michele Fey; Fred Smith; Jama(Sean)Butts; Ashley (Jay) Siebrecht; Allison (Kevin) Kostelnik; brothers in law, Bill Skeldon; Tony (Amy) Colgan; and sister in law, Carol Spahr. Jim is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends that are considered family.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Vernamae White Spahr; parents, O.M. and Kathryn Spahr; brothers, Herman Spahr, Bill (Michiko & Betty Sue) Spahr and Joe (Martha) Spahr; sisters, Marjorie (Meredith) Warren, Gene Skeldon, brother in law, Mike Thorne; and son, Michael E. Smith.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Spahr home on July 5, 2024, at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Haven Hospice Foundation: https://beyourhaven.org/donate
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