James "Jim" Spang

Loving husband and father, James “Jim” Edward Spang, 75, succumbed to pancreatic cancer in his home surrounded by his family on December 15, 2017. Jim was born on January 25, 1942 in Dayton OH to the late Daniel and Eleanor (Yahle) Spang. Jim was a 1960 graduate of Chaminade Catholic High School and later joined the Ohio Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. On February 17, 1968, he married the love of his life Margaret Lee “Peggy” (Nartker) Spang also of Dayton. They moved to Charlevoix in 1972 where he built their home and raised their family. He worked for Lexalite Corporation for nearly 30 years and built plastic injection molds as a tool and die maker and retired in 2002. Jim enjoyed many interests, with his family, throughout his life including flying his Cessna, modifying cars, camping, canoeing, golfing, pistol shooting, scuba diving, traveling, skiing, boating, and participating in the local car clubs.

Jim was preceded in death by his infant daughter Mary, his sisters Mary Thompson and Dee (Donald) Canby, and brother-in-law Richard Hallert. He is survived by his devoted wife Peggy of nearly 50 years; son Daniel (Lisa) Spang, and daughters Amy (Ronald) Yesney, Margaret “Meg” (Nicholas) Ward, and Ann (Adam) Houck; grandchildren Ashton, Breanaka and Cheyana Spang, Colton, Shelby and Weston Yesney, Elijah, Isaiah and Samuel Ward, and Lucas Houck; brother David Spang, sister Kathleen Hallert, and brother-in-law Blair Thompson.

Visitation at St. Mary Catholic Church will be held from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday, December 18, 2017 with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 pm followed by the rosary, Fr. Jim Hayden officiating. Visitation will also be held beginning at 11:00 am followed by his funeral Mass at noon on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 with Fr. Peter Wigton officiating, luncheon to follow in the Parish Center. Jim will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in 2018.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to Hospice of Northwest Michigan, Street Legends Car Club Charity Fund, or to St. Mary Catholic Church for Masses.

A special thank you to Hospice of Northwest Michigan for their support, guidance, and care. Arrangements are being handled by the Winchester Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.