Condolence: I heard about Jim's passing late. It was amazing that I had wondered how and what he might be doing just a few days before. I was remembering how he helped me along when I started working at DelMonte as a fork lift driver and of course as a senior on the basketball team. He was sure fun to watch play. I only ran across him a couple of times in the past many years, but he was always the same old friendly Jim with that giggle that would quickly turn into a laugh. I'm sure he will be doing a lot of that while he is looking down on us struggling on without him. GOD BLESS

Condolence: My heart was saddened when I heard of Jim passing away. He was a mentor to me in my young adult life and helped shape the way I am now. I have fond memories of him during this time, from being my track coach and making me do the extra work to be a better athlete, to being the JV basketball coach. He always seemed to smile and enjoy what he was doing. I know my dad had a lot of respect for Jim and considered him a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.

Condolence: Vonnie, We are saddened by Jim's untimely passing. We would have been there to support you in any way possible except for medical circumstances of our own. We will truly miss you and Jim cuing for our special Sadie Hawkins dance each year. GOD bless you, Jim will surely be missed.

Condolence: Jim, you will be missed. Thanks for being a good friend and neighbor all these years. Good ole Quincy basketball will miss you. Our prayers are with your family at this time.

Condolence: So sad to hear of Mr.Spence's passing. I had him for a teacher in high school, for Algebra. He was an excellent teacher. I even had a crush on him:) I remember it was at the end of the year and I was being a little bit a brat in class and he was the first and only teacher that I received a hack from. I deserved it tho. I respected Mr. Spence. I'm so very blessed to of had him a part of my school years at QHS class of 72 Treasure your memories they will get through this sad time in your lives.

Condolence: Jim was a very special person and will be greatly missed. We enjoyed so much the opportunity to round dance to his cueing. His patience and talent was so valuable to us. May God grant the family comfort and peace during this most difficult time. May God give you strength in the days ahead as you endeavor to fill this void in your life.

Condolence: When I consider the value of a quality, inspirational character example for others to consider and emulate, no one in my life would exceed Jim's calm, capable and steady hand on the tiller. He possessed the wisdom and clarity to measure his words and I don't believe I ever saw him lose his temper. Above all, Jim knew the most important part of friendship was being a friend. Our world is a bit smaller now because Jim is not in it, but he does live in our memories. God be with you Vonnie and kids. He was truly a one-of-a-kind and we are all better humans because he was our friend. Much love, Stu Hunt

Condolence: I first met Jim while we were students at Central. When I came to Quincy to teach, I ran into Jim and found that Quincy was his home town. From then on for the next fifty plus years I cherished the friendship with him, Vonnie, Jeff, Todd, Julie and Marci. Jim and I shared many experiences as teachers and in athletics. When Judy moved to the high school, she shared her with him experiences as a fellow teacher first then as her principal. She will always admire the way he served as her friend and principal. We will miss Jim very much. Our admiration for him is very deep. Our prayers as with his family.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to the entire Spence family. Mr. Spence was very special to me, as a teacher, coach, and idol. As a teacher, he was patient and explained everything thoroughly. He would give me the extra time I needed when I didn't quite understand things. He taught me good study habits and stressed the importance of doing well in the classroom and getting classwork done. As a basketball coach, he was very calm and very rarely raised his voice to me. I know there were many times that coach was frustrated with me, but he was always positive with his feedback. He challenged me to work on my game and to get better. He told me to not let my lack of height be an excuse for not being a good player and motivated me to work on improving my game. Mr. Spence was a great shooter and he forced me into being a better shooter because of the many games of "horse" that I lost to him. I remember when I finally beat him, I was excited for days. Coach also taught me the "wrap around" move, when you poke the ball away from the opponent from behind as he is trying to dribble by you. I scored many lay-ins thanks to that move. Mr. Spence made basketball fun, he taught us to play for each other and helped us bond together as a team. Coach was good looking, smart, dressed well, and was a good basketball player. I wanted to be like him. He taught me life lessons and would listen to me anytime I needed advice. I know that he genuinely cared about me and wanted me to be successful. I am a much better person having had Mr. Spence in my life. He will definitely be missed! Eddie Ambriz

Condolence: To the Spence family. We are sorry to hear of your loss.

Condolence: What a great loss. Everyone who knew Jim loved him. I worked with Jim as the AD at Omak HS when he was AD at Quincy. He was great to work with, always open minded and full of good ideas. He worked for the the benefit of the whole league, not just for Quincy. He always put what was best for kids first. I also coached basketball against him in the early 70's. He was a tough competitor, but always played fair and I really enjoyed our contests. He was a great role model, not just for kids, but also for those of us who had the privilege of working him. I am very saddened by his passing.

Condolence: Jim Spence was an absolutely wonderful guy! I don't know anyone who didn't like him. I was lucky enough to have him as my high school basketball coach many years ago. You couldn't ask for more from a coach. He always had time and a smile for us, and made playing fun. You knew he loved helping us in whatever way he could. With his coaching, it was never about him everything was for his players and the team. Winning was important, but it was never more important than it should be. Looking back I am astonished at the patience he had. Some of our winter bus rides could stretch to a four hour ride home after the game. There was always a group of us in the back of the bus who just would not shut up and sleep. That would have frayed a lesser man's patience beyond the breaking point, but he seemed to remember what it was like when he was that age better than most. His obvious love for his wonderful wife and family were always evident to anyone who knew him. Jim, you lived your life as a great example to others and far beyond being thankful that you were my coach I am thankful that you were my friend. You are sorely missed and will never be forgotten.

Condolence: The first time we met Jim and Vonnie they made us feel welcome to the Appleland Promenaders. We were new in Wenatchee and they made us feel at home. Jim was a great teacher and helped me pick up on my (Carol) rusty square dance skills when we were in a square with him and Vonnie. Such a special person to all who knew him, he will be greatly missed. Vonnie please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Carol

Condolence: Vonnie and Family, Jim was a special man who always had a beaming smile on his face, a wonderful singing voice to share with our square dance/round dance communities, and he was always glad to see us all and let us know. He will be missed. Love and Hugs to you and yours.

Condolence: Dear Family, Kari and I are terribly sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Chris (Todd) Amend

Condolence: My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Mr. Spence's family. I'm so so sorry for your loss.

Condolence: My sincere condolences to Vonnie and the rest of Jim's family. I square danced for many years, and had the pleasure of listening to Jim's voice for quite a few of those dance nights. He will definately be missed.

Condolence: My sincere condolences to the Spence family. I have fond memories of Mr. Spence or "Chief" as we sometimes called him. As a freshman, he personally asked me if I would be the basketball manager that year for the varsity team. What an honor. That turned into a 4 year term as the basketball manager. What a great blessing to be able to serve not only with a very capable coach, but a man of integrity. Home games, long road trips, state tournament appearances, I was always right in the middle of everything because he put me there and made sure I was included and valued. Away from the court, I felt like I was his favorite student. I'm sure every other student felt the same way. Lots of time has passed since then. I miss those days, but value the friendship and things I learned. My prayers go out to your family.

Condolence: Jeff and Todd, I always admired your dad. He was so smart, clever, kind, a sharp dresser and one of the best teachers I ever had. I'm sure he probably forgot long ago about his very average student named Steve B, but the most important part of that is that I will NEVER forget about him. You guys were so lucky to have great father like he was, he did so much and he touched so many of our lives. My prayers to you, your Mother and your whole family. Your friend, Steve Bonneau

Condolence: I was so sad to hear about the loss of Jim. I am glad I got to know him through square dancing and I value the friendship Jim had with my Dad. We are all sad to see him go. Hugs to you Vonnie!

Condolence: Our sincere condolences for the entire family. An extraordinary man is gone from us, but not forgotten. It is also a loss for the entire community. May it bring you comfort to remember how his light shone on this earth, and to know he will be remembered so fondly by so many that he touched!

Condolence: Vonnie, Jeff and Katrina, Todd and Laurie, Julie and Rusty, Marci and Erik and all of you precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren, "There is a circle of caring all around . . and you are right in the middle."

Condolence: So saddened for losing Jim. Such a great man. He will be missed by many.

Condolence: May God wrap Vonnie & the family in his loving arms & bring comfort during this very sad time. With our deepest heartfelt sympathies. Jim & EJ Reece