James “Jim” Joseph Spece, 79, passed away in Helena on January 13, 2016. Jim was born to Alfredo and Helena Spece in Philadelphia, PA on May 24, 1936.
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, working on cars or trucks, building with his hands, family, and giving everyone he knew a hard time because he loved them deeply. Jim was an auto body mechanic and also worked as a Restorative Aid at Cooney Convalescent Home.
Jim met the love of his life, Margaret “Marge”, Christmas Eve 1978. They were married in Montana June 4, 1982 at Frontier Town in McDonald Pass.
Jim was a member of the NRA and the Beagle Club.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marge, children: Bryan Paul Spece, Michael Spece, James Matthews, Brian Squillaciotti, Frank Squillaciotti, and Margaret Squillaciotti, 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation is being held Monday, January 18 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Service, 2 W Main St, East Helena. Memorial Services are being held at 10:00 am Tuesday, January 19, at Mountain Family Fellowship Church, 6145 N. Montana Ave. Burial to follow at 1:00 pm with full Military Honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
To offer condolences or to share a story about Jim please visit www.helenafunerals.com.
To help offset Jim’s medical bills, donations can be made to the family at the memorial service
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Big Sky Cremation & Twitchell Funeral Se rvice says
A tribute video has been added.
jason Q says
I was one of his caregivers and after getting to know him, anytime I would knock on the door to help him he would yell out “go away”. He was always making me laugh with many jokes that marge snickered at and shook her head. He always had a different comment that he and I would laugh at. I am honored to have helped him during what he called his “twilight years.” I miss you Jim I’ll see you On the other side. Here’s my unorthodox poem: God called him home leaving an empty spot in me, he made me laugh we smiled and joked often. Now it’s no more smiles or funny jokes at each other, I miss you already no more will I see you in person but I will see you in the beauty of Heaven and we will laugh again, God how I will miss you until then, watch over your family and the ones that cared for you since we cry in loss for you. Now you are new again no more pain, you’re smiling looking down on us trying to tell us you’re better and in the arms of the father waiting for us to show up and that we may one day join you forever in the beauty of Heaven.
Shawn Popp says
Good ole Jim I worked with him for years and yes he was fun giving a person a hard time.But that is how you knew he liked you.Rest in peace my friend.
Dennis & Shannon Meyer says
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayer during this difficult time. Jim was such a character and yes he did like to give you a bad time, but he liked it if you gave it right back to him. Papa Spece you are going to be greatly missed. God bless
Tara Kelleher says
I too worked with Jim he always had a good time getting a rise out of someone 🙂 Jim was my mentor.. like another father figure if you will.. he and my own father were the same age and born two days apart.. After Jim retired I would see he and Marge at the store .. we would stand and shoot the breeze , just as we had before.. God speed.. My prayers to his wife and family.. so sorry for your loss..
Shawn Popp says
U will be missed Jim u always kept things interesting.
Patricia says
Lit a candle in memory of James “Jim” Spece
Marge Spece says
I love and miss my husband Jim Spece You are always in my heart and On my mind. There is not day that goes that l don’t think of .Lots of happy days we had together 40years of happiness. As days months years go by it don’t get any easier.I love you Jim Spece. May my husband Rest in peace. You are no longer in pain
Marge Spece says
Thank You Tara .
Marge Spece says
Thank You that is beautiful .Also thank you for helping my husband Jim Spece .Was very blessed to have you in are life .There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of Jim a blink of an eye he was gone . As you know he was very sick I still was not prepared . The night I called the ambulance he said to me when I laid him down honey I am so tired and I am going to sleep along time . I new than he wasn’t going to make it .The ambulance driver tried everything.They took in the ambulance he died on the Interstate .I do know he is in no more pain n he is in heaven joking with everyone.God bless n take of yourself.Love to you n your family.Mrs James Spece
Marge Spece says
I Love and miss my husband Jim Spece .You are always in my heart and on my mind.There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you.Lot’s of happy days we had together 40 years of happiness.As minutes hours days months years go by it doesn’t get any easier.I love you Jim Spece.May you rest in peace.You are no longer in pain!
Shawn Acker says
I truly miss my Grandfather. No matter what was going on in our lives he was always there, and he always took a keen interest in me. I love and miss you Grandpop!