James Alexander Spear

James Alexander Spear passed away on the morning of December 26, 2021 at his home in Leroy, NY at the age of 88 years old surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 6, 1933 at Glens Falls Hospital in Glens Falls, NY to A. McKee Spear and Beatrice Wakeley Spear from Hudson Falls, NY.

Jim was a graduate of Trinity-Pawling Preparatory School and then Attended Alfred College for Electrical Engineering. After college, Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1954 where he rose to the rank of Corporal in the Fire Department at Sampson Air force Base on Seneca Lake, NY. He then was transferred to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois where he finished the remainder of his enlistment.
On July 16, 1955, Jim married the love of his life, Florence. The two had four children, Lynda Quint (late), Mark and Toni Ann, Deborah and Gary Jobson and James. Jim is also survived by ten grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. After the Air Force, Jim and his family moved to Buffalo, NY and lived there for several years. In 1964, Jim and his family moved to LeRoy, NY where he and Florence raised their family.

Throughout Jim’s working career, he worked for the Rating Bureau, Sentry Insurance, F.I.A. and I.R.I as a Fire Protection Engineer designing, inspecting and testing fire protection systems. He retired from I.R.I in 1994 and enjoyed retirement with Florence in LeRoy. Jim joined the LeRoy Fire Department in 1969 and served in various positions over the years. Jim served as the Superintendent of Fire Alarms for the Village, Secretary at the Fire Department, the Fire District, the Benevolent Association as well as the O-at-ka Hose Fire Company for more than 35 years. Jim was the Superintendent for the Machpelah Cemetery on North Street for many years as well.

Jim’s passion throughout his life was always centered around the fire service. His knowledge and love of everything related to fire protection earned him respect and honor from his peers. His widespread collection of fire department memorabilia that he collected throughout his career was impressive to say the least. Jim was a charter member of The Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America (SPAAMFAA) and also was a life-member with the National Fire Protection Association. It would not be out of the ordinary for Jim to hop in his car and drive to Rochester or Buffalo just to watch the fire scenes. In Jim’s younger years, he would regularly visit his friends at various city fire stations and truly keep his finger on the pulse of how the fire service was evolving over the decades. Jim’s uniqueness in character, ability as well as attention to detail earned him respect. Jim was never out to earn awards or recognition; his sole purpose was to ensure the safety and well-being of the communities he served.

Friends and Family are invited to join in celebrating Jim’s life well lived on Tuesday January 4th, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm at the Cameron Brady Funeral Home, 111 Wolcott St. LeRoy, NY 14482. A reception will follow the service at the Oatka Hose Fire Company, 11 North Ave. LeRoy NY 14482. In lieu of flowers memorial maybe made to Oatka Fire Company. To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit, www.leroyfuneralhome.com