Jim was born in Paden City, West Virginia July 16, 1924 to the late Hugh and Nettie (Carnell) Speece. He lived most of his life in Cuyahoga Falls and the last 13 years in Wooster.
He married Irene (Beres) Speece in June of 1951, who preceded him in death in August, 1999. He is survived by his son, Ken (Jodi) Speece of Wooster; granddaughters, Dr. Ashley (Casey) Harbaugh of Marrietta, PA and Brittany (Trent) Oyer of Wooster; great-grandson Lincoln Harbaugh; brother, Arthur of Salem, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Steve (Ruth) Beres and Ed (Hilda) Beres; sister-in-law, Anna Beres; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, May Nice and brother, Voicie.
He retired from the Ohio Edison Company with over 40 year of faithful service. He was originally a member of the Highview Ave. Baptist church in Akron, was a member of The Chapel in Akron for many years, and later attended Wooster Grace Brethren church.
Jim was an extraordinarily devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. He was a skilled handyman who never hesitated to generously offer his skills to those who he knew. He had a rare and gentle spirit and those who knew him know that he is rejoicing in heaven (now without hearing aids) with his Lord and his beloved wife.
Calling hours will be at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home, 760 E. Market St., on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 from 4:00 – 7:30 p.m. A graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Wes Hartzfeld indoors at Northlawn Cemetery on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market Street, Akron, OH 44304.
