James Ivan Spain

James “Jim” Ivan Spain, 83, of McHenry, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2024, at White Oaks Memory Care of McHenry.

A funeral service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service and again after the service during a light lunch at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor may be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=ap-a1bHq00000AbgiW.

Jim was born on December 15, 1940, in Reasnor, Iowa, to Marion and Inez (Vera) Spain. He spent much of his life in Newton, Iowa, graduating from Monroe High School in 1959. On August 24, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Spain, in Newton, Iowa.

Jim worked for over 40 years at Van Dusseldorp Sand and Gravel before retiring in 2004. His strong work ethic continued as he later joined Herta Public Transit, where he worked until his retirement in 2019.

Jim was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church. He had a deep appreciation for country music and a love for the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed traveling to all 50 states with Judy by his side. A talented woodworker, he found joy in creating with his hands and took great pleasure in watching the birds in his backyard, especially cardinals and hummingbirds. In his quiet moments, Jim could often be found enjoying classic Westerns on TV.

Above all, Jim cherished his family. He was a proud father and a loving grandfather to his two grandsons, Ian and Duncan, who brought him immense joy.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jeffrey (Pamela) Spain of McHenry, IL, and Jon (Victoria) Spain of Marion, IA; and his beloved grandsons, Ian and Duncan Spain of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, Inez Vera Spain and Marion Pearson Spain; his stepmother, Ethel Spain; and his siblings: Earl Spain (in infancy), Leona (Joe) Neal, Robert (Colleen) Spain, Ruth (Joe) Partelow, Dale (Patty) Spain, Doris (Darrell) Van Baale, Wanda (Ray) Demoss, and Betty (Floyd) Springer.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.