Jimmy passed away peacefully in his sleep at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital on December 13, 2017. He is survived by his wife and trusted partner, Mary, after 65 years of marriage. He is also survived by his son, Gerald (Elizabeth); daughter, Christine and grandchildren, Arran and Breanna. He will also be missed by his sisters, Rose, Mary and Kathleen and their families and his brother, Charles.
Since emigrating to Canada in 1967, he followed his love of soccer as a director and board member of L.I.Y.S.A./V.I.S.L.B.C. Youth, BC Soccer and the CSA. Many friends and acquaintances will miss the hospitality and dedication Jimmy brought to all his endeavours in soccer and in his time with the public service. After retiring, Jimmy continued to indulge his love of golf and travel with Mary to many places in the UK and Europe always in pursuit of the best cream cake.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Mike Miles and the caregivers and volunteers at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital for all their part in making Jimmy’s days comfortable and fulfilling.
A Memorial Mass will take place at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Blanshard at View Street in Victoria on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 12 Noon with a reception to follow.
Jimmy’s family has asked that in lieu of flowers, any donations be made to Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, 861 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC V8V 5A9.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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23 Responses
Dear Mary, Gerald and Christine, my heartfelt condolences to you, your extended family and the many friends of Jimmy’s. I treasure all of the times shared on and off the soccer trail with Jimmy and Mary. Together you brought a sense of family, camaraderie, laughter and caring to everyone you met. Although another light has gone out in our Canadian Soccer family Jimmy will be missed, but forever treasured. His quick wit, smile and kindness will be with me and many others who were fortunate to share his life path. Jimmy has earned his rest yet I know what a miss he will be. His legacy of kindness, grace, humour and friendship remains. How blessed we have all been to know him. Take good care of each other as Jimmy treasured you most of all. My sincere sympathy, Sharon Bearpark
Condolences to the Spencer Clan. A true gentleman and highly respected.
Thoughts Are With The Spencer Family ❤️
His hard work to grow and support the beautiful game on Vancouver Island is very much appreciated and i am Thankful i had the opportunity to meet Jimmy and have some great disciplinary conversations during my early playing days in the VISL.
Condolences to Mary,Gerry,Christine and their families,Jimmy was a good person in all regards and will be missed by many for differing reasons. I worked with Jimmy in soccer for many years, organizing for all-star games in the old times and the International games.He had a great deal of passion for the game and shared it with young and old alike. We’ll miss his smile and sense of humour.GOD BLESS.
My condolences to the family. Jim had the needs ot other’s in his heart. I was lucky to have been associated with Jimmy for many years through the VISL. He worked hard to help soccer grow and thrive on Vancouver Island and B.C. He will be missed
Jim was a great ambassador for soccer, on the Island, provincially and nationally. He was a true gentleman and had such a positive influence on young players. I hadn’t seen Jim for some years but have fond memories of him. He put a tremendous
amount of time into the game and those of us in the soccer community appreciate his work and legacy. Jim definitely was one of the good guys.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Jim was an awesome guy and loved the game and all that played it and took the time to talk to everyone he will be sadly missed but will never be forgotten Cheers jimmy
My condolences to the Spencer family. Jim was a very special man. He will be missed. RIP dear friend.
I met Jimmy through involvement in the VISL. He was a great presence at RAP during Cup Finals in the upper office. The sandwiches that he & Mary put together were always a feature.
In the past 4 years or so, I have come to read and learn; via our Island soccer history, how important Jimmy was to us all. He was President from 1987 – 1993 for the VISL. He did so many other roles within soccer – a true volunteer. Nothing but respect for the man, wish we were able to spend more time in the last few years.
Jimmy made a difference. We are better in knowing him. We wish Mary and family all the best at this tough time.
Jim was a very special man that will be missed by so many. The countless volunteer hours he put into the game at all level was incredible and meant so much to so many of us. I personally have Jim to thank for getting me as a BC u-18 and National Youth Player to Vancouver weekend after weekend so I could train and play on the team. He was such a joy to talk to then and up to my last visit with him in homecare. Like any good servant he did things with such humility and no fanfare. My sincere condolences to the Spencer family. Until we meet again my good friend.