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
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gail Crowley (Studders)
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Steve Fisher Jimmy will be terribly missed. He was loved by all of us and he will be cherished in our memories forever. Condolences.
Steve Fisher.
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Rob Brown Vice President BC Soccer Jimmy was an integral part of soccer in British Columbia at the Local and Provincial level. His calm demeanor and wonderful smile overcame many tough situations. He was a pleasure to work with and will be dearly missed by many in the soccer fraternity.
My condolences go out to the family
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Gerry Lister My condolences to The Spencer Family. I met Jimmy through soccer as most did! He was a true Gentleman and a true Ambassador for the Sport of Soccer! I met with Jim many a time through the Disciplinary Board! Many a good laugh was had! Thank you my Friend for all you’ve done for our Community and Province! May you Rest In Peace, Jim and my deepest sympathy the Family! J
Let it be known , Jim was a Great Person ! God Bless you all, Gerry Lister
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Linda McDonald I was saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. The time and energy he put into the Condo at 1121 Oscar was greatly appreciated. His sense of humour got us through many hard times. My sincere condolences go to Mary and the Family during this time.
Blessings to you all.
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Robin Adair I was very sad to hear of Jimmy Spencer’s passing. He was one of the great characters in Island soccer and certainly left a profound mark on the Victoria sports community. Besides promoting the game as a volunteer and soccer executive, Jimmy also provided colour commentary of first-division matchups on local cable. With George Smith doing the play-by-play, Jimmy would chime in with his Scottish accent, delivering lines like “that was a real cracker”! During my years at CHEK TV I frequently chatted with Jimmy at Royal Athletic Park and always found him enthusiastic and well informed. He was a wonderful sports ambassador and a good friend and mentor to many people through the years. Jimmy’s is a legacy of dedication and excellence! My sincere condolences to the Spencer family.
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Phyllis C Cameron Mary and Rose I know how much you will miss Jimmy. He was indeed a wonderful caring man. He help us out by becoming our President of Saint Vincent the Paul our conference was such a close family when Mary and Jim took us under their wing. He lived a good life and made this world a better place.
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Spearman Sincere condolences to Mary and the family at this very sad time.
Philip and Joy Spearman.
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John and Marilyn Bate We are very saddened to learn of Jimmy’s passing.
A first class gentleman, we are grateful our paths crossed in Life.
Thankfully our memories live on forever.
Our Sincere Sympathy to you Mary and all the Family.
John and Marilyn
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Dorothy Adam Mary, my condolences to you and your family. Remember all the good times you and Jimmy have spent throughout the many years together.Memories are like flowers. Gather them all together and you will have a lovely bouquet.
Take care.
Dorothy Adam
(Eaton’s cash office)
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Pat Hall Dear Mary, My condolences to you and your family. I enjoyed working with Jimmy on the Greater Victoria Sports Celebrity dinner committee for so many years. He was a great chairman and had a great wit. He knew how to do things right and professionally. It was a joy sharing the annual dinner events with him. I hope he meets with Alex and Pat Burns and has a good laugh with them.
What an awesome trio they were together. Miss them lots. I was lucky to work with such a good guy.
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Jim de Goede Dear Mrs. Spencer (Mary), I was hurt and saddened to read about your husband’s passing. As an impressionable 16 year old soccer player, even I could recognize a true gentleman and lover of the beautiful game. For me, Mr. Spencer was an integral part of Tour Team 1973 and I felt awkward when I heard he had decided to leave the team just as we were about to depart. As the years went by I saw him at soccer venues all around the city with his charming smile and easy manner. He never forgot us and I will never forget him. I am so sorry for your loss. With deepest sympathy, Jim de Goede.
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Mike metcalfe Dear Spencer Family, our dad Jack Metcalfe always spoke highly of Jimmy Spencer as the two of them worked many years supporting Victoria soccer, both juvenile and Sr. men’s. Dad always reminded me of how much he respected Jim Spencer for all the volunteer hours he put towards soccer in Victoria!
Scotland’s loss was Victoria’s gain back in 1967. Thx Jimmy! Cheers the Metcalfe’s
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Sharon Bearpark 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
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John Leier Condolences to the Spencer Clan. A true gentleman and highly respected.
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Craig Glennie 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.
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George Smith 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.
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Lew Williams 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
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Gord Horth 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.
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Clarence Duits 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
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Grant Darley My condolences to the Spencer family. Jim was a very special man. He will be missed. RIP dear friend.
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Vince Greco 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.
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Frank Woods 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.
Love you Uncle James! There must be some great parties happening up in heaven now! My Dad, Uncle Walt and now you! RIP and we will meet again!❤