James L. Spence, age 84 of Hobart passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 31, 1941, in LaPorte, Indiana to the late Leo and Caroline Spence. On September 24, 1966, he married Judith Roberts. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army. He went on to obtain two master's degrees from Notre Dame and worked as a director of nursing at St. Mary Medical Center and Westville Correctional Facility. He was a dedicated member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Thomas Council. Jim formerly served on the board of directors for the Northwest Indiana Medical Federal Credit Union and was past president of Friday night mixed league at Stardust Bowling Lanes. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Spence; his sons, Mathew (Kimberly) Spence, Mark (Debbie) Spence; daughter, Mary Beth Quick; grandchildren, Taylor (Michael) Kaiser, Paige Spence, Andrea (Brad) Klisurich, Mark (McKenna) Spence, Hannah (Paul) Byrnes, Jimmy Spence, Kaliegh (Andrew) White, Austin Quick, Zoe (Noah) Dujmovich; great grandchildren, Mason Spence, Mallory Spence, Lorelai Klisurich, Tegan Klisurich, P.J. Byrnes, Debbie Byrnes, Atlas, Opal and Ruby White; brothers, John (Barbara) Spence, Patrick (Yolanda) Spence, Willliam (Ruth) Spence, Gregory (Julie) Spence, David (Michelle) Spence, Brent (Diane) Spence, and Joseph Spence; sisters, Marilyn Chulpacek, Shirley (Ronald) Richie, Sharon (Donald) Barker, Annette (Gary) Fath, Margaret (Robert) McConnell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Caroline Spence; his son, James Spence; twin infant sisters, Mary and Elizabeth; sisters, Carol Ann and her husband, Joseph Knowlton, Phyllis and her husband, David Logan; brother-in-law, Allen Chulpacek.

Memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383

Visitation for Jim will take place Monday, December 8, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart with a rosary at 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 10:00 am directly at St. Joseph the Worker, 330 East 45th Ave., Gary, IN 46409 with Rev. Edward Shea officiating. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Walkerton, Indiana. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.