FEEDING HILLS – James R. Spear, Jr., 80, of Feeding Hills, MA passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife and 
children. James was born June 28, 1942 to James R. Spear, Sr. and Mildred Archer Spear in Dorchester, MA. He graduated from Dorchester HS in 1960. Jim joined the US Army in May of ’61 and served 6 months active duty, and 8 years active and inactive reserve where he became a construction machine operator or as he said, “he drove the big trucks”. He was a sharpshooter with a rifle and was honorably discharged in July of 1968. He attended Northeastern University studying management and went on to work in the insurance industry at Merchants Mutual and St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Co. for 32 years. He was a commercial lines underwriter and manager. He was also a personal lines manager with 45 personnel under his watch. While at St. Paul, he earned an Associates in Risk Management degree from the Insurance Institute of America. He served as President and COO of New England Fidelity Ins. Co. for 2 years before his retirement. In his later years he worked for Balise Toyota helping the sales department with running to the RMV, picking up and delivering cars to other dealerships.
Jim married his sweetheart, Barbara Davis in 1965. They went on to have 2 children Robert and Melissa. Barbara sadly passed in 1993. Years later he was set up on a blind date and met Pamela Plante at IHOP and that was it, they were married in 2000, built a beautiful new home and started their life together. Jim and Pam were very active with The Melha Shriners. Jim was an Emeritus Member on The Board of Governors for the Shriners Hospital and also a Master Mason for 58 years. He held many positions and memberships such as Assistant Director of The Shrine Circus for 15 years, Member of The Scottish Rite, Melha Legion of Honor, American Legion Post 124 and The Order of Quetzalcoatl. Jim and Pam loved to travel; they visited Europe, France, England and Florida. Jim was very involved in his church, he was a Lay Reader, a Eucharistic Minister and lead The Stations of The Cross for many years. He would visit the shut-ins from his church, filling in for the Priest who worked a full-time job and wasn’t able to.
Jim leaves behind many who loved him and will treasure his memory. His loving wife of 22 years Pamela Spear. His son Robert (Tess) and daughter Melissa Spear. His stepchildren Steven Graydon (JoAnn), Michael Graydon and Christina Gezotis (Curtis). He leaves 14 grandchildren, Colby and Isabella Spear, Stephanie Neylon Van Aller (Ian), Michael Neylon and Michaela Neylon. Also, Nicholas Gezotis (Kelsey), Christian Gezotis (Heather), Shaun Gezotis, Nicole Fredette (Junior), Michael Graydon, Jr. (Nicole), Ryan and Neal Swanfeldt, Hannah Graydon and Joseph Graydon (Alexis). He leaves 8 great-grandchildren, Steven and Amelia Van Aller, Griffin and Graham Gezotis, Hazel and Bryce Fredette, Lilianna and Maverik Graydon.
Jim loved his sports teams especially his beloved Boston teams! But he most enjoyed watching his grandkids at all their sporting events!! He loved building projects, fishing and poking around at Home Depot!
As Jim wished, there will be a Memorial Mass at The Episcopal Church of The Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield, on Tuesday, December 13th at 4pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Westfield Homeless Cat Shelter, 1124 East Mountain Rd., Westfield, MA 01085 or The American Diabetes Association. Firtionadams.com.
