James Spence

Longtime Walla Walla businessman and entrepreneur Jim Spence, 88, died in his home on January 4, 2014.

He was born November 18, 1925 at St. Mary’s in Walla Walla to Clarence and Frances (James) Spence. He grew up in Walla Walla and attended Baker School and Wa-Hi, graduating in 1944. He enjoyed summer days visiting and working at his grandparents’ family farms: The James Farm in Dayton and the Spence Farm in Milton.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in WWII training as a tail gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He was later assigned as a radar technician specialist in the 8th Air Force in the 467th Bomb Group based in Rackheath, England. At the conclusion of the war, receiving rank as a Sergeant, he returned to Walla Walla and continued working alongside his mother at Spence Tire on West Main St. Eventually the business was passed down and is currently owned by his son, Todd Spence.

Jim’s motto was “Work Hard, and Play Harder!” He pursued race cars, go-carts, limited hydroplane racing, skiing, snowmobiling, boating and house projects.

In 1955, he married Nola “Mike” Wagoner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Soon after, they began their family and welcomed Kim, Marc, Baby Tim, Jon, Karen and Todd. With a growing family, they bought and restored the family home at 1127 Fern St. Jim continued working hard and playing harder, with every weekend an adventure! A life well lived!!

Jim worked with a group to begin the Tollgate Trailfinders. He was a life member of the Elks. He is survived by his sons, Jon and Todd, his daughter Kim and her husband Al Scheidmiller and his grandchildren, James A. Spence; Kayla and Levi Cross; and great-granddaughter Jacquelynn Cross.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Thursday, January 9, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Herring Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice through the funeral home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla WA 99362. Private family interment will be held.