James Maurice Spain of Florence, AI., passed away at home on Sunday, May 24, 2009.
Jim Spain was the son of James Thomas Spain and Grace Hitchcock Spain. He was born and raised in Loretto, Tn.
Jim served in the U. S. Army Chemical Warfare Division. After his tour of service he returned to UNA for his B.S. Degree and Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University) for his Master's Degree. After completing his college work he returned to Loretto as teacher and coach for two years.
In 1951, Jim Spain came to Florence as Director of the Florence Parks and Recreation Department. During his tenure Martin Park, Veterans Park, McFarland Park, Royal Avenue, Broadway and Handy Recreation Centers were developed. He was honored by his peers in the recreation field, serving as President and Director for the Alabama Park and Recreation Association. The annual award for the outstanding professional in Alabama is the James M. Spain Award, which he received in earlier years.
He also served on the regional and national park and recreation boards. He received the Outstanding Professional Citation for the Southeastern States and the Distinguished Fellow Award from the American Park and Recreation Society.
Jim was active in the Loretto Lions Club, Florence Exchange Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross and other civic organizations.
He was named Shoals Citizen of the Year in 1989, listed in the Book of Golden Deeds by the Florence Exchange Club and named UNA Alumnus of the Year in 1980.
After his retirement from the Recreation Department, Jim served as Consultant to Mayors Eddie Frost and Dick Jordan.
Jim Spain was a member of North Wood United Methodist Church. He held various offices there and the part he enjoyed most was serving as teacher for the Men's Bible Class for approximately 55 years.
Jim Spain was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of fifty years, Arline Clark Spain; his older son, Michael Spain; and his older brother, Howard Spain.
Jim Spain is survived by his wife, Jane Reding Spain; son, Donald Spain and wife, Marsha; daughter, Susan Spain Lathem and husband, Dennis; daughter-in-law, Linda Spain. His grandchildren are Rachel (Jason) Robinson; Jackson (Holly) Spain; Christopher (Erin) Spain; Andrew (Stefanie) Spain; David (Jennifer) Spain, Kevin Spain, Lauren Lathem and Austin Lathem. Great grandchildren are Aiden, Alexis, Addison and Colin. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Syble) Spain; sister-in-law, Evelyn Spain, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private family graveside service will be conducted by Rev. Billy Reding.
The memorial service will be held at North Wood United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Peter Hawker will officiate.
The family will receive friends after the service in the Church Parlor.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Wood United Methodist Church Building Fund.