James Spencer Jr., died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife Nancy and family in Sun City Center, Florida.
He was born on August 6, 1935 in New Bedford MA to James and Alice Spencer. He spent his early years in Greenville, NH before moving to Warwick, RI. After graduating from Lockwood High School, he served in the United States Coast Guard and later USCG Reserves. He returned to Warwick, RI and joined the Warwick Police Department, serving for 20 years as a Patrolman, School Safety Officer, and later as Communications Officer. During his time on the force, he was commended for rescuing a young woman in the water while commanding the Warwick Police boat. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant. After leaving the Warwick PD, he was employed by the RI State Police as a Communications Officer. He was a skilled sailor and enjoyed sailing on Greenwich Bay and participating in sailboat races in the summer. In his retirement, he enjoyed many hobbies including hand crafting clocks, playing the banjo with the Stone Street Strummers in New England and later playing the banjo and tuba with his own band The Polk County Plunkers in Lakeland, FL. He moved to Sun City Center, FL in 2003 and joined the Front Porch Pickers.
He is survived by his adoring wife of 27 years, Nancy Spencer, his daughter Sylvia, her husband Robert and their children Anthony ( Rebekah), Ericka, Joseph, Thomas, Andrea Ricciutti, his daughter Christine , her husband John and their children John, Alexandra, Katherine, Jennifer Wright, step- daughter Jody Therien and her son Bryson Friess, step-daughter Lee Bell (Michael), his brother Robert Spencer ( Maeve) and nieces and nephew. He is preceded in death by his daughter Diane Spencer.
He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving wife Nancy and family in Sun City Center, Florida.
A Memorial Service will be held in Rhode Island at a date and time to be determined.
