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<p><em>James Joseph “Jim” Spencer</em> was born on September 8, 1940 in Detroit, MI to James C. Spencer and Mary Francis Crawford Spencer. He was a devoted husband to Donna Spencer of Silverthorne, CO for 56 years and a loving father to Jaya Spencer of Dillon, CO. Donna shared that one of Jim’s last wishes was to die at home in the mountains, where he loved to be in the outdoors skiing and rafting.</p>
<p>Jim entered West Point on July 1, 1958 with the Class of 1962. It is not surprising that Jim was interested in a career in the Army because his father was a career soldier.</p>
<p>After Beast Barracks, Jim was assigned to F Company, Second Regiment. One of the first classmates that Jim met was Frank Miller. Jim and Frank became very close friends. Frank undoubtedly knows more about Jim Spencer, especially at West Point, than anyone else.</p>
<p>Frank reports that Jim became very skilled at avoiding drawing attention to himself. According to Frank, Jim was better at this than anyone he knew. Frank also indicated that Jim had a perpetual problem with the Academic Department. It seems that every semester Jim was taking a turn-out exam. Frank was one of the classmates that helped prepare Jim for those exams. They would start a few days before the exam, and Frank would cram as much knowledge into Jim as possible. It worked! In every case Jim passed the exams with flying colors. Frank confesses that he was very proud of Jim and his ability to do what was necessary to pass the turn-out exams every single time.</p>
<p>Frank could write a book about his time with Jim. He recalls two memorable trips they took. The first was a trip between their cow and firstie years. They were invited to spend a week in California with Jim’s family and had a great time exploring a part of the country that they were not familiar with. According to Frank, a major highlight of their visit was a military flight on their return trip that was the scariest and most turbulent flight that he has ever had. The second trip was actually a series of trips they took to New York City, staying at the home of Rear Admiral Schanze, the father of classmate Stan Schanze. They were introduced to the luxury of a wealthy apartment and took advantage of the wonderful nightlife that New York City had to offer.</p>
<p>The last time Frank and Jim crossed paths was in 1987 at Fort Bragg, NC, where Frank was commanding the 20th Engineer Brigade and Jim was the deputy commander of the 4th Psychological Operations Group. In fact, that group was commanded by classmate Buzz Kriesel. Buzz reports that he had the great honor of having Jim as his deputy commander. During this time Jim and Donna became great friends with Buzz and Jeannie. Buzz recalls that, as his deputy, Jim was with him every step of the way. It was a special privilege to work so closely with a classmate who was as professional and as talented as Jim Spencer. Buzz reports that Jim probably commanded the group as much as he did. </p>
<p>Buzz’s leadership was responsible for directing and deploying over 5,000 psychological operations (PSYOP) personnel while conducting classified world-wide PSYOP programs for all unified commands. While Buzz was on the road, Jim backstopped everything and kept the group “mission ready” at all times. There was not a single moment during these challenging times that Buzz questioned a decision Jim made or Jim’s dedication to the missions the group was given. According to Buzz, Jim Spencer ranked as one of the most professional officers that he had ever worked with. Buzz was privileged to have Jim as his deputy and blessed to have him as a classmate and friend.</p>
<p>Frank Miller recalls that Jim was a very quiet but determined man. He never gave up, no matter the odds, whether it was the obstacle course, an intramural football game or a wrestling match with the academic departments. He was intensely loyal to his friends and would go to extraordinary lengths to provide for them if they were in need. Jim was able to get along well with almost everyone he knew. Frank shares, “I liked him a lot and will miss him very much.”</p>
<p>Jim lived by the USMA motto: Duty, Honor, Country. Shortly after graduation, Jim attended Ranger School. His Ranger buddy, John DeVore, indicated that he could not have had a more genuine friend than Jim. John reports that Jim’s guidance, advice, counsel, shoulder and words were always helpful.</p>
<p>Jim’s assignments included services in Korea, three tours in Vietnam and Germany, plus various posts in the United States. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He retired as a lieutenant colonel in Fayetteville, NC. Jim’s love for skiing and rafting brought him to Summit County, Colorado in 1999. He worked at the Keystone Medical Clinic for many years as part of the medical team and loved being able to help people. Jim was a beloved member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Breckenridge, CO.</p>
<p><em>— Family, Dan Clark, and other F-2 Classmates</em></p>
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