Oct. 6, 1943 — Oct. 19, 2014

James E. Spears, Jr., 71, of Dowagiac, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, with his family by his side.

James was born on Oct. 6, 1943, to the late James and Josephine (Greer) Spears in Hollandale, Mississippi. He was one of four children.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and went on to retire from the Veteran’s Administration where he retired as an Adjudicator.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Agnes McLean.

James is survived by his daughter Jessica Spears of Pasadena, California; sister, Charlesola “Charlie” Spears-Wright of Dowagiac; brother, Thomas (Sharon) Grigsby of Anaheim, California; and nieces and nephews Apryl Winfrey, Monique Freeman-Winfrey, Roshaun Sims, Jasmine Grigsby and Thomas Grigsby Jr.

Funeral services to honor James’ life will be held on Monday, Oct. 27, 2014, at 11 a.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Full military honors will follow the funeral at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.