Earl James “Jim” Spoors, Jr., age 68, of Remus, Michigan passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at his home.  Jim was born on Thursday, October 27, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Earl James Sr. and Jean (Holton) Spoors.  Jim graduated from Holland High School in 1967.  He served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1974 during the Vietnam Conflict.  He was stationed on Okinawa where he met and married another Airman, his wife Vivian, on October 8, 1971.  They were married for over 46 years before Jim's passing.

     After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jim worked as a deputy at the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department. He later worked as a police officer at the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety.  Jim and Vivian purchased an answering service that became Action Communications, their personal business for nearly 30 years.  Jim completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration at Ferris State University and a Master of Business Administration degree at Central Michigan University.  He went on to teach classes as an adjunct professor at both Mid Michigan Community College and Great Lakes Christian College.

     Family has always been very important to Jim.  He and Vivian raised two beloved daughters, Ashley and Jaimie, and were blessed with three granddaughters.  He treasured spending time with family, especially watching his grandchildren grow. 

     Jim was a member of First Church of Christ in Mt. Pleasant.  He made it a priority to speak out about his faith in Jesus Christ, especially throughout his cancer treatment.  Jim’s hobbies included donating his time to service organizations including the Mecosta Lions Club and the March of Dimes.  He also was passionate about supporting His House Christian Fellowship, a campus ministry which was influential for his daughters’ spiritual growth.  Jim was also the former chairperson of the Remus Downtown Development Authority, looking to bring positive change where he could.  Jim also enjoyed spending time at the Mecosta Rod and Gun Club.  His hobbies included woodworking, hunting, and fishing.  In the last few years, he developed a love of gardening and then sharing the fresh produce and the canned goods from his garden.  He was an avid, life-long learner.  He could start up a conversation with just about anyone about anything, and usually did.  He was also a gifted storyteller with lively sense of humor. 

     Jim is survived by his wife, Vivian; two daughters:  Ashley (Jared) Gilpin of St. Johns, Michigan, and Jaimie (Joshua) Chan of St. Louis, Missouri; three grandchildren: Emelyn, Clara, and Annabelle Gilpin; a brother, Jack (Susan) Spoors of Shelby, Michigan; a sister, Deb (Lisa Purcell) Spoors of West Olive, Michigan; a sister-in-law, Jeanna; and beloved nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father, Earl James Spoors Sr.; mother, Jean (Holton) Spoors; step-mother, Zelda (Hannum) Spoors; and a brother, Lorenzo Spoors.

     A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2018.  There will be a visitation at 10:00 am with a memorial service following at 11:30 am at the First Church of Christ, 1610 E. Broadway Street with Tom McNerney officiating.  There will be a luncheon to follow.  Burial of the cremains will take place in Coopersville Polkton Cemetery, Coopersville, Michigan, at a later date.  Memorial contributions are requested in lieu of flowers and may be made in Jim’s memory to either the First Church of Christ or to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).  Envelopes for either are available at the church or Rowley Funeral Home.  WWP online donations can be made by selecting the memorial option at this online link: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/