James D. Spencer

James “Jim” D. Spencer, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Rawlins, Wyoming on December 5, 2022. Jim was born on May 14, 1946, in Greybull, Wyoming to Joseph and Irene (Collingwood) Spencer. He was the first of 5 children, later followed by brothers Ron and Tom and twin sisters, Jean and June.

          Jim graduated from Rawlins High School in 1964. He enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard in October 1965, serving six years before being honorably discharged in October 1971.While serving, he was employed as a Wholesale Driver for Cream O'Weber in Rawlins. After his discharge, Jim married Teresa Pennington in 1972. To this union, two children were born – JJ in 1974 and Tyler in 1978.

          Jim worked at the Arch Mineral Coal Mine in Hanna, Wyoming and at the Sinclair Oil Refinery for many years. He later worked for various companies in the area as a heavy equipment operator. When not working, he loved spending time in the Wyoming outdoors hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles. He treasured spending time with his family.

          Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom in 1969, and his son, Tyler in 2021. He is survived by his son, JJ and wife Robin of Rawlins; grandchildren, Cody Spencer of Brandon, Florida, Taylor Spencer of Crown Point,  Indiana, Savanna Umberger of Rawlins, Wyoming and Johnathan Umberger of Rawlins, Wyoming; great-granddaughter, Karen Umberger; brother, Ron Spencer of Lander, Wyoming; sisters, Jean Spencer of Rigby, Idaho and June Spencer of Saratoga, Wyoming; his ex-wife, Terry Pennington of Torrington, Wyoming and numerous extended family members and special friends.  

          A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Rawlins Cemetery pavilion. Military Funeral Honors will be afforded by the Wyoming Army National Guard and American Legion Post 122.