James Terence Springer
February 27, 1928 - December 18, 2008
Obituary
James Terence ‘Terry’ Springer age 80, died peacefully December 18, 2008 at his home. Terry is survived by his sons, Kevin and Greg Springer; daughter, Sherry Speer Nathan; grandchildren, Byron Michaela Speer and Scott Speer; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Connor Speer. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Beverly in 2002.
Entered Merchant Marine at age 15 during WWII. During that time he served in the South Pacific, North Atlantic, European, and Mediterranean zones. He also sailed in war zones during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Once retiring from the Merchant Marine after 20 years of service in the Sailors Union of the Pacific in 1969, he went into commercial painting becoming a lifetime member of IUPAT Local 300.
Upon retirement he enjoyed travel to the Far East, with Hong Kong becoming his favorite destination, traveling there over a dozen times with his wife Beverly and family.
He enjoyed conveying stories of his past wide range of experiences, from working on a raisin farm, to being on a paint crew on the top of the Space Needle.
One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with his family including his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Committal and Military honors will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA. The family would like to invite friends and family to join us at our Dad’s house after the military honors service at Tahoma for a potluck celebration of our Dad’s remarkable life. Email Sherry at LUPDUK@GMAIL.COM for information or directions. Please sign the guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Hi Dad and Mom,
I hope you are able to see down here. Kevin, Greg and I are doing OK. You have prepared me well for the inevetable.I am doing what I think you would of wanted me to do and will make sure to keep the peace.I do wish we could of had more time so we could go on that trip to Shanghai and the train to Kowloon. Maybe I will make it over there to sprinkle some ashes off the Star ferry. I dont want to grow up and be the next generation that you talked about. I wish it didnt have to happen.I was hoping to spend more time with you since I am not working now. It wouldnt have mattered if it was in 10 years I still miss you so much. I still want to call you everyday and when I am shopping I still want to buy you those ugly monkeys or just some good looking fruit. My only hope is you are with Mom and you are healthy and happy up there and when our time comes I will see you again. Thank You for being the best dad in the world and tell mom she was the best mom in the world, too. We were so lucky!!! Thanks for the signs your sending down so I know your watching and I am doing the right thing. I am glad we set up that code ahead of time. I have 50 years of memories and I cherish every one of them.
Love your daughter Sherry
Sherry, Kevin, Greg & Family,
All of us at Painters Local 300 wish to extend our condolences to your family.
We are saddened by the loss of our
brother in law, he will be missed.
Greg; Kevin; Sherry;
We were sadden to hear of your loss, our hearts and prayers go out to you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you through this time of sorrow.
Terry/Sherry,
My how times flies, kids grown, grandkids abound and just lost touch. So wonderful to hear from your daughter, albeit on a sad note. Our heart goes out to your loved ones, for i know how much you’ll be missed. It only seems like yesterday, my fondest memories, being your neighbor, impacted by the airport expansion. You influenced and touched my life like no other, for now i carry on the painting aspect that you pursued after retiring from the Merchant Marines. My sons have their own businesses in painting as well. See what you’ve instilled in our lives in such a positive way, we’ll forever be grateful.
There must be a reason why i chose to purchase a pool table last week, such a coincidence, let’s rack em up fondly remembering your Dads giggle. That pool table of his, such a thing of beauty, established quite the bonding experience.
Sherry, the one thing i didn’t mention, while talking to you, your personality mimicks a lot of your dad.
Take care,
Glenn & Suk Hiroshima Family
Terry, We will miss you. We will remember you fondly.
We are so sorry to hear Jim had passed. I so enjoyed listening to his stories of WWII and travel. It was very apparent how much he depended on you Sherry, so know that it will be especially hard for you to fill your days now that he is gone. You will miss him but know how much he missed your mom and how happy he must be now that he can be with her and the lord.
Our condolences to your family at the lost of James sincerely the Ma family.