Obituary for James “Jim” Spiser

Ponca City Now - April 23, 2021 5:11 pm

James Joseph Spiser

December 27, 1933 – April 23, 2021

James Joseph Spiser, “Jim”, left this earth on April 22, 2021 at the age of 87. He was born December 27, 1933 in Tonkawa, OK, the youngest child of Oscar Winfield “O.W.” & Jennie Arline Spiser. Jim joins his heavenly family – his parents and 10 siblings – sisters: Imogene “Gene” Cummings, Naomi Hurd, Velma Coffman, Angie Wardell, Cora Knox & Betty Whitley and brothers: Glenn, Billie, Dannie & Sammie. Jim was a kind, gentle soul and is now most likely involved in vivid conversations with his parents & siblings as they are now all together.

In his youth, Jim enjoyed school days & camping trips with his older brother Dannie. A particular joy was marching band & competitions which became a lifelong passion. Give him the sound of marches by John Phillip Sousa or the big band sound of Glenn Miller and he could listen for hours. He especially enjoyed performances of the NOC Roustabouts who held a special place in his heart.

On August 15, 1953, James married Louisa Cross in Augusta, Ks. Together they had three sons. Those sons included: James Joseph Jr., Thomas Glenn and Darren Gene.

James and Louisa lived the greater part of their adult lives in Arkansas City, Ks. where Jim was employed by General Electric’s Jet Engine Division for 35 years. Retirement was spent at their home in Tonkawa. Ok. where Jim enjoyed a part time position as a night watchman for Northern Oklahoma College. They later moved to the Via Christi Village in Ponca City, Ok. where they enjoyed companionship with each other and many new friends.

James is survived by his wife Louisa, the families of Joe Spiser & Joni Curl of Arkansas City Ks., Tom and Shelly Spiser of Ponca City, OK., and Darren Spiser of Winfield, Ks. Grandchildren include: Valerie (Josh) Albin of Andover, Ks., Nick Spiser of Wichita, Ks., Zack Spiser of Oklahoma City, Ok. Kaycie Spiser and Austin Spiser of Ponca City, Ok. Great-Grandchildren include Maddox, Allison, and Myles Albin of Andover, Ks. Other relatives include a host of nephews and nieces who were dear to his heart.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at Roberts and Son Funeral Home Chapel with James W. Roberts officiating. Burial will follow in IOOF Cemetery in Tonkawa, Oklahoma.

Casket bearers will be Terry Curtis, Mike Ruch, Nick Spiser, Zack Spiser, Austin Spiser and Carl Branch.

The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the NOC Roustabouts, sent in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.