Obituary: James “Jim” Whitney Spellman

James “Jim” Whitney Spellman, age 76, passed away on Friday, September 30, 2022.

He was born in Oshkosh Wisconsin February 21, 1946, to James and Betty Spellman. His family moved numerous times before landing in Phoenix, Arizona in 1962, where he enrolled at Arcadia High School as a junior. He played football at Arcadia and met lifelong friends and the love of his life, Anne Nairn. He went on to California Western University and continued to play football until he graduated in 1968. He and Anne married December 19, 1966.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Betty, Father, James, cousin, Boots Spellman, and Sister-in-law, Gretchen (Gert) Nairn.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne; children Jennifer (Jim), Chip (Namita), and Janet (Matt); his grandchildren Ryan, Bobby, Annie, Leila, Kate, Whitney, Nicolas, and James; and brothers Steve and Tim Spellman.

Jim was the CEO and President of Spellman Hardwoods Inc., board member of the National Hardwood Lumber Association and the Pacific Coast Wholesale Hardwood Distributors Association, and member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds.

Above all accomplishments, his greatest joy in life was the family he and Anne created. One of the ways he showed this love was sharing his appreciation for nature’s beauty, something that required priceless, intentional time which spoke louder than words. Among the things he shared were his beautiful rose and vegetable gardens, coy pond, and extensive fish tank, all of which he spent hours nurturing and eyeing in humble admiration.

“Bumpa,” as he was referred to by his grandkids, enjoyed teaching them about the things he so cherished. He showed them the constellations, hunted for seashells to add to their collections, and (when they were lucky) gifted them chocolates from his large stash.

Though he was never the loudest one in the room, his presence was always felt, and his jokes always landed. He was a keen observer and listener, and his wit was next to none. He appreciated individual character and found beauty in the simple things that made the people and world around him special.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Thunderbird Charities, 7226 N. 16th Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, Arizona 85020.

Source: Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home