James Elliott "Jim" Spencer, Sr. of Athens, GA, formerly of Hartwell passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospice House in Athens on April 25, 2023, 12 days before his 94th birthday.

He was born on May 7, 1929 in Syracuse, NY, to the late Dr. Harold Courtland Spencer, Sr. and Fern Katherine Engel Spencer. He spent his childhood in Syracuse and Canastota, NY. He served in the U.S. Army in Central Intelligence during the Cold War in the 1950s. He graduated from The University of Florida and spent the rest of his career in the textile and garment industries. He began his career in sales and marketing, and subsequently held executive positions in the garment industry. His work led him and his family to various cities, including White Plains, NY, Boston, MA, Charlotte and Greensboro, NC, Martinsville, VA and finally to Hartwell, GA in 1977, when he joined The Hartwell Company. He remained there until his retirement.

Mr. Spencer was a devoted, lifelong Episcopalian and served in every lay position in every Episcopal Church, wherever he lived. He was a member and past president of the Hartwell Rotary Club. He served as Chairman of The Hart County Hospital Authority. He also gave generously of his time working with the Nancy Hart Literacy Council, teaching children and adults how to read.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Spencer was predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Mary Anne Setticase Spencer, and one brother, Harold Courtland Spencer, Jr. He is survived by his second wife and devoted caregiver, Carole Burroughs Spencer, a daughter, Marjorie Spencer (David Vickery) of Lawrenceville, GA, a son, James Elliott Spencer, Jr. (Jenny) of Alpharetta, GA, and a stepson, Wally Crump of Atlanta, GA. Other survivors include six grandchildren, Katherine Alexander (Josh) of Athens, Spencer Vickery (Blake) of Gainesville, GA, Emily Vickery of Nashville, TN, Mary Anne Schnell (Kyle) of Woodstock, GA, Caroline Spencer, and James Elliott Spencer, III, of Alpharetta, GA, as well as five great-grandchildren, Laura Elliott and Courtland Alexander of Athens, Carter and Hayes Vickery of Gainesville, GA, and Weston Schnell of Woodstock, GA, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Spencer wished to be cremated and a graveside service and burial will take place on what would have been his 94th birthday, Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Nancy Hart Memorial Park Cemetery in Hartwell with Rev. Craig Topple officiating.

Memorials may be made to either Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 498 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 579 Fairview Street, Hartwell, GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.