Jim was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle who lived an exciting life full of big dreams, heroic endeavors, and eccentric pursuits. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1970, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and earning numerous commendations for bravery & leadership.

His enduring deep desire to fly helicopters continued as he embarked on a 30-year career with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. which would include a record of accident-free flying providing transportation in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and lastly in Angola, Africa.   

Jim Spear was truly an adventurer.  Just out of high school he joined the Merchant Marines with stops in Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Puerto Rico.  Between his military service and professional career, he worked briefly at Executive Helicopters in Atlanta where his passenger list included former president Jimmy Carter.  He volunteered for work assignments over multiple summers in Alaska, including clean up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.  

In his retirement he motorcycled across country, sailed boats, traveled extensively in Central and South America, built wooden boats, and continued his life-long interest in history and weaponry as an avid collector of swords, knives, and firearms.  He loved telling stories of his adventures to his family and friends and gifting mementos found on his travels or at any flea market he came across. Throughout his life, he lived on five continents before settling in Orange Beach, Alabama.

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