James H Spann

James Henry Spann was born May 15, 1932, to Frank Jody and Nadine (Chapman) Spann in Bemis, Tennessee.  Born into a large family of faith and love, James Spann was the 5th son who carried on this faith until the day God called him home at the age of 90 on Sunday, January 22, 2023. 

Growing up in Tennessee a firm foundation of faith helped build the family.  James's life was influenced by the love of his parents Frank and Nadine Spann, his brothers, Frank Spann (Betty), Ivory Spann, Corinthian Spann and sisters, Evelyn (William) Goodrich, Alberta (Willie) Brown, Vera Dean Spann, Frances (DeMyers) Lee, Sylvester (Robert) Morris, son Charley Spann, and grandson Kyle Spann all who proceeded him in death.

James accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mary High School in Jackson, Tennessee, where he met and later married Josephine Ross.  To this union seven children were born: Joe Ann, Victoria, Maria, James Jr., Charley, Marquato and Marvin. 

Later in life James met and married Evelyn (Cole) Spann and relocated to South Bend, Indiana and to this union two sons were born, James Lamar and Keith Gerard, and bonus children Jacqueline, Sherry and Dennis Cole.

James joined the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and served as an Usher for over 60 years.  He also served in the U.S. Army as a Private First-Class.  James worked at Morris Inn Country Club and retired from AM General in South Bend, Indiana after 30 plus years of service.

James enjoyed spending time with family, playing pool, cards, baseball, football, riding his bike, traveling and especially walking until he fell in October of 2020.  During which time, his wife Evelyn became his primary caregiver.  A special thanks to all those who supported and assisted during this time.

James leaves to cherish his loving wife of 53 years Evelyn Spann, children, Joe Ann Brown, Alton, IL, Victoria (Nate) Clark, Trussville, AL, Maria (Clifton) Moore, Alton, IL, James Spann Jr., Marquato (Curtis) Rattler, Alton, IL, Marvin Spann, Alton, IL, James Lamar (Kenyatta) Spann, South Bend, IN, Keith (Tenisha) Muhammad, Houston, TX, Jacqueline (Frank) Williams, Englewood, OH, Sherry Cole and Dennis Cole, South Bend, IN, Brothers, Robert, Roland and Joe Spann, (35) grandchildren (38) great grandchildren, (12) great-great grandchildren. Goddaughter Ebony (Andre) Futch, Douglasville, GA., Adopted son Charles Harrison, two special great grandson Bralen James Spann and Zachary Michael Patton and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

Scripture: John 14:2 “In my Father’s house, there are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

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