Jim Spray: September 10, 1940 - May 24, 2019
Jim Spray (Geron James Spray I) passed away in his sleep on Friday, May 24, surrounded by loved ones, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 78. Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched, of whom there are many. He is survived by Linda Spray, his wife of 27 years; daughter Maria and son Geron of a previous marriage; granddaughter Clara Spray; sister Dianne Phillips Shinholser; brother Jerome Bryson Spray, and many nieces and nephews.
A skilled builder, mechanic, and handyman, Jim was always eager to help someone with a project, repair, or emergency. He loved to dance, travel, and cycle, and enjoyed sharing his boundless humor and wisdom. In his long and fulfilling life, he had been a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Korea, hospice volunteer, Boy Scout leader, fireman, woodcutter, rehabilitation counselor, bookseller, construction foreman, and contractor. He employed and mentored dozens and helped countless more.
Jim Spray will be memorialized on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at 2:00 PM at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 Rodeo Rd. in Santa Fe. All friends and family are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Santa Fe Parkinson’s Support Group at
[email protected] or to Amberhaven Foundation at 550-D St. Michael’s Dr., Santa Fe, NM 87505.
