“I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” —Proverbs 8:17
James Morris Spencer, age 51, a devout Pastor, faithful husband, and loving father, transitioned from this earthly life to his eternal home in Heaven with his Lord and Savior on February 29, 2024, from his home in Butler, Ohio. His passing marked a significant moment, aligning with the rarity of Leap Day, symbolizing the leap into eternity for a man of unwavering faith. He was surrounded by his cherished family and embraced by the comfort of hospice care during his final moments after bravely facing a cancer diagnosis only four months prior.
James was born on February 24, 1973, in Prestonsburg, KY the son of Larry Dean Spencer & Anna Jo (McCoy) Spencer. Following the tragic death of James’ father at a young age, Phillip Allen Sanney married Ann and became his second father. All of his parents were there Thursday to greet James in heaven.
At 17, James felt a divine calling to preach while attending Mt. Salem Revival Grounds in West Union, WV. Following high school, he attended Bible college, where he met the love of his life, Michele Webb. They married on June 11, 1994 and shared a beautiful union of nearly 30 years, blessed with six children: Jordan, Chris, Daniel, Kathryn, Grant, and Josiah.
James graduated Bible college in 1998 and embarked on a dedicated ministry journey spanning over three decades. He served passionately in various capacities, including Assistant Pastor in Shinnston, WV, and Youth Pastor in Clyde, OH, before accepting the role of Head Pastor at Peoples Baptist Church in Mansfield, where he faithfully shepherded the congregation for nearly 20 years. Throughout his ministry, James remained deeply involved in bus ministries, soul-winning endeavors, youth ministries, and music ministries, touching countless lives with his unwavering faith, kindness, and compassion. Pastor Spencer cherished his role at Peoples Baptist Church, considering it a privilege and joy to pastor the church where he had attended as a teenager. He also enjoyed working at Middleton Mechanical where he was the Sales Manager for 16 years.
Pastor Spencer’s hobbies included: singing to gospel music blaring in his car—so loudly that once he got pulled over, golfing at Little Apple, being so energized by the Holy Spirit that he had to run around in circles, coaching every team his kids asked him to coach, running a “quick 3 miles” on the treadmill to “get the blood pumping” before a cross fit workout at Built by Unity in Bellville; using secret codes to win Rook on game night; and screaming (or singing) Psalms 100 to wake up his kids on Sunday mornings. “This is the day that the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad it in it!!” James loved OSU football, double pepperoni pizza, and “one” scoop (2-3 scoops) of peanut putter panic ice cream. If you can’t tell, humor was at the heart of his personality. He also looked forward to two important annual events: the invitation-only “Monopolfest” held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving—of which, he was a Founding Father—and the Midwest Christian Boys Football Camp which is open to the public and held each summer in Illinois.
James Morris Spencer will be remembered fondly for his unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, and profound impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. During his life he helped many people achieve their dreams and reach their full potential. He believed in people. He had a genuine love for people and always saw the best in them. He would literally give you the shirt off his back if you asked. His is a legacy of laughter, service, and devotion to God.
In addition to his loving wife Michele Spencer of Butler, he is survived by children and their spouses: Jordan & Hannah Spencer of Baton Rouge, LA, Chris & Lanora Spencer of Lexington, Daniel & Tessa Spencer of Lexington, Zach & Kathryn Johnson of Mansfield, and Grant Spencer and Josiah Spencer both of Butler; grandchildren Evangeline Spencer, Avery Spencer, Adelle Spencer, Sydney Spencer, Vivianna Spencer, Adalynn Johnson, Rhett Spencer, and baby boy Spencer on the way in April; siblings and their spouses Ken & Andrea Spencer of Ontario, Pastor Chris & Lisa Spencer of Ontario, and Mark & Kathi Sanney of Forest City, NC; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Calling Hours will be held from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Peoples Baptist Church, 223 Vanderbilt Rd, Mansfield, OH 44904, where a celebratory funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 5, 2024, also at Peoples Baptist Church. True to form, Pastor James planned everything down to the last detail including a food item to be served at the calling hours, and music and scripture for the funeral service where his brother Pastor Chris Spencer will lead the service giving glory to God for James’s life. Burial will be in Oak Grove Memorial Park near Lexington, OH.
Memorials are suggested to Peoples Baptist Church (please write Bus Fund in the memo line) as it was Pastor James’ wish to buy a new bus to drive kids to and from the church. Send in care of the church or look for the collection box at his services. Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel is honored to serve the Spencer family.
Share a memory of Pastor Spencer and watch his tribute video at SnyderFuneralHomes.com