Jim Spero
1934 - 2023

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Jim Spero, retired firefighter, retired Regional Occupation Program auto body teacher and U.S. Army veteran, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at the age of 88, at Sutter Lakeside Hospital in Lakeport with his wife of 55 years, Rhoda Spero, by his side following a long struggle with cancer.

Jim always liked to say that he was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. This was because his father was stationed there when Jim was 7 years old. He could see the bombing of Pearl Harbor from his home.

In 1954, he joined the U.S. Army and became a Master Marksman on the National Rifle Team, where he was sent across the nation for competition shooting. Following that, Jim was sent to Korea for 18 months.

After his Honorable Discharge in 1959, he joined the Santa Rosa Fire Department and served them for 16 years until injured in a fire and had to retire.

Always looking for new opportunities, Jim then went to UC Berkeley to receive his teaching credentials for vocational education and taught auto body for 10 years before retiring and moving to Lake County.

Hunting, fishing and golf were activities he enjoyed but cars were his passion. He was a charter member of the Early Ford V8 Club of Santa Rosa and member of the Lake Lords of Clear Lake. He was also a member of SIRS 168.

Big Jim had many friends whom he loved dearly and always said that he had a great life. He was always positive and loving.

Jim is survived by his cherished wife of 55 years, Rhoda Spero. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Antoniette, and son, Michael.

He is also survived by his daughter, Valerie; sons, Brian and Randy; brothers, Dennis, Jerry and Chuck Spero; and sisters, Phyllis and Joni.

As per his request, there will be no memorial services. In lieu of flowers, any donations please send to Tunnels 2 Towers in memory of Jim Spero.

For more information please visit the Chapel of the Lake Mortuary website at www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611.