Speers, James R. 'J.R.'

James R. “J.R.” Speers, 79, of rural Oxford, died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at St. Mary's Auditorium in Oxford, where visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial, with military honors, will take place following the services at the Oxford Cemetery.

James Richard Speers was born April 22, 1933, in Oxford, the son of James W. and Grace (Edward) Speers. J.R. spent his younger years growing up in Oxford and Springfield, Ohio. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his country proudly. On Sept. 4, 1954, he was united in marriage to Patricia Elizabeth Potter. In the 1950s, he began a career with Econogas and later with Great Plains Gas. J.R.'s work took the family many different places in the states. In 1969, following the death of his father, he brought his family back to Oxford to the family farm. In the 1970s, he purchased Hamer Alignment and worked here for years before returning to Econogas, where he was vice president until his retirement in 1995.

In the early years J.R. enjoyed golfing and trap shooting. Later he spent time traveling, gambling and taking fishing trips with his good friends, Dick Hagen, Father Joe Sparks, Hank Klein, Bob Mickelson, Joe Prymek, and Kenny Graper.

He was accomplished in the business world, and a dedicated family man. J.R. and Pat raised their family with an open door and several people in need found their way to them. Gathering with family and friends was very important to them, as was his dog, Cassie.

J.R. was a longtime member of the Oxford American Legion, having served several terms as commander.

His family includes their children, Robert Speers, Debra Scheetz and her husband, Joe, Rick Speers and his wife, Manette, and Geri Swain and her husband, Brian, all of Oxford; 10 grandchildren, Canon, Adison, Kiley Speers; Melanie Reese and her husband, Stacy, Elizabeth and Jodie Scheetz, Brandon Speers and his wife, Chelsy; Jason Speers and Justin Speers, and Cory Miller; four great-grandchildren, Anna and Kolby Reese, and Nathan and Lucas Speers; his niece and nephews, Tom, Steven and Nikki Cherry, all of Springfield, Ohio; many other nieces and nephews; and his best friend in this world, Dick Hagen of Cedar Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; and a sister, Jeannie Cherry and her husband, Kenneth.

J.R. will be remembered for many things, especially that smile when he was dancing!

A memorial fund has been established in J.R.'s memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for his family and services.

Published Aug. 21, 2012 in The Gazette