Browse the obituary of James Spearman July 17 1948 December 15 2022 residing in Freeport, Illinois for funeral burial details. Write a message of sympathy or a last tribute to perpetue the friendship thread
July 17 1948 December 15 2022
James Spearman of Freeport, Illinois peacefully departed his earthly life on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Just like he dealt with all experiences in life, James managed his illness with strength and grace, and wanted to spend as much time with his loved ones. On his final day, James was surrounded by family as he entered eternal life. James was born on July 17, 1948, in Charleston, Mississippi, to the late Aaron and Magalean (Coleman) Spearman. He attended the Tallahatchie County School District in Mississippi. On September 16, 1969, James was united in holy matrimony to Bettie (Carter) Spearman. James accepted Christ at an early age at Old Bethel AME. Upon moving to Freeport, Illinois in 1969, James initially held church membership with St. Martin Missionary Baptist Church and then later with Philippians Missionary Baptist Church. Most recently, James was a member of World Impact Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Deontae Collier Sr. James served faithfully in the church as an usher, janitor, and groundskeeper until he became ill. James was employed by Goodyear-Kelly Springfield/Titan and retired after working for more than 36 years. Prior to becoming ill, James enjoyed traveling, gardening, walking, and riding his bike. Until death, James continued to enjoy listening to music, watching Westerns, and he never lost his ability to tell tall tales and keep everyone laughing. In March 2019, James became a Master Mason under the Supreme Council of Masons United, 33rd Degree Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Free Masons of the World. One of James biggest accomplishments was being a father and papa. His children and grandchildren saw their dad and papa as a superhero, and even as adults, still see him that way. He was always there for them through their ups and downs and taught them to enjoy every moment life has to offer. James leaves to cherish his memories, a loving wife, Bettie Spearman, of 53 years and to this bond three daughters were born, Angela Spearman (Taurence Walker) and Jennifer Spearman of Freeport, Illinois, and Katrina Amartey (Joshua) of Triangle, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Porsha Walker and Taurence Walker II of Freeport, Illinois, Henrietta Amartey, Jana Amartey, Kayla Amartey, Jocelyn Amartey, and Joshua Amartey all of Triangle, Virginia; seven great-grandchildren Jamarques Green, Zakhi Walker, Ikelle Hall, Taurence Walker III, Naudia Walker, Jelani Ratley, and Ameera Heilman; five sisters, Thelma Williams of Glendora, Mississippi, Marie Harston and Millie Burnside of Freeport, Illinois, Ester Spearman of New Orleans, Louisiana, and Magnolia Spearman of Memphis Tennessee; four brothers, Mack Spearman of Glendora, Mississippi, Arthur Spearman (Diana) of Chester, Virginia, Charlie Spearman (Mary) and Sammie Spearman (Lorraine) of Freeport, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron and Magalean Spearman; one brother, Aaron Spearman Jr.; three sisters, Mary Spearman, Bessie Spearman, and Willie Tate; and one niece he reared, Erica Jefferson. James was well known and loved by his family, friends, and community. He will be greatly missed.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Spearman July 17 1948 December 15 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Freeport, state: Illinois