With great sadness we share the passing of our loving father, Jim Spears, on Friday, January10, 2025, in Hoover, Alabama. He was a true southern gentleman, kind, compassionate, and led by example with a servant's heart. He loved God, his family, and the Auburn Tigers. As an avid hunter and fisherman, you could find him in the woods when he wasn't coaching football or baseball. With great integrity and love, he was exceptional in this role as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a loyal stepfather, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. Cherished by his family and friends, we will celebrate his life:

Thursday, January 16, 2025, Atmore United Methodist Church, 311 S. Pensacola Ave, Atmore, AL Visitation: 1PM, Service: 2PM.

Friday, January 17, 2025, Auburn Memorial Park, 1000 E. Samford Ave, Auburn, AL, Graveside Services: 2PM

James Doyle Spears was born in Greenbrier, AK. on January 17, 1932, to Virgil Dean Spears and Mary Ruth Ward Spears. In 1950, he graduated from Conway High School with athletic scholarships in baseball, track, and football. He attended and played at Arkansas State Teachers College, now known as the University of Central Arkansas. Once the Korean War began, he left college joining the US Navy eventually serving as a Navy Medic aboard the USS Valley Forge (1950-53).

Entering Utah State University (1954-56) he pursued a degree in Wildlife Management, and continued playing baseball, pitching for the Utes until his transfer to Alabama Polytechnic Institute (1956-58). As an Auburn University walk-on, he struggled to work, practice and study. Deciding to focus on his education, he left baseball and graduated with a degree in Forest Management in 1958.

On December 26, 1958, he married Billie Charles Dewberry in Auburn, AL. and they welcomed two children. Throughout his life, he served his church in all capacities. Joining the First United Methodist Church Atmore in 1970, he was the oldest living male member. He shared his time with the United Methodist Men's Club and the Atmore Lions Club, when he wasn't volunteering with Little League, Peewee Football, or the Boy Scouts.

He joined St. Regis Paper Company and held several positions, retiring as Timberlands General Manager from Champion International. He served as Chairman of the Advisory Counsel for the Auburn School of Forestry (1991-99), was a member of the Society of American Foresters and past president of the Alabama Forestry Association. He was appointed by Gov. Fob James to the Alabama Forestry Commission and later appointed by Gov. Guy Hunt to the Foresters Licensing Board. In 1992, he was awarded the Auburn University Outstanding Forestry Alumni and in 1994 was inducted into the Alabama Forestry Hall of Fame.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife of 56 years, Billie Charles Dewberry Spears, sisters, Genevia Hegi and Virginia Ellzey, brothers, Thomas Spears, Dean Spears, Virgil Spears, and nephew, Daniel Spears.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 7 years, Bobbie Bracken Herrington, daughter, Leigh Ann Horst, of Fleming Island, FL., son, Stan (Liz) Spears, of Hoover, AL. two grandsons, Jacob Horst and Jordan Horst, and two great-grandsons, Jordan Horst, and Jack Horst, step-children, Sharon (Carl) McInnish, Bill (Kay) Herrington, Ronny (Pat) Herrington, all of Brewton, AL., and Tammi (Maxie) Bondurant, numerous step-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Services will be held at First United Methodist Church Atmore, AL on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of James D. Spears to FUMC Atmore, More Than Bricks.

Johnson Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.