Obituary of James Spears

James C. Spears Olean, NY James C. Spears of 1578 E. River Rd. died Sunday (August 21, 2011) in The Pines of Olean after a long illness. Born November 17, 1926 in Olean, NY he was the son of James G. and Alice Spears. On June 7, 1952 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Olean he married Betty J. Benham who predeceased him November 5, 2007. Mr. Spears was a lifelong resident of Olean and worked his whole career for Niagara Mohawk Power Co. as a foreman and lineman. He was also a veteran of World War II having served with the U.S. Army. He was a quiet man who skillfully built his own home and enjoyed maintaining his property. In retirement he and his wife loved to travel in the winter months visiting family in Louisiana and Florida. Surviving are one son James (Shelia) Spears of Olean; 1 daughter Pam (Ernest) Briggs of Marrero, LA; nine grandchildren Jamie, Ernie, Shawn, Casey, Shandel, Jeb, James Todd, Jacob and Kennlee; 3 great grandchildren Tristan, Jaci and Cadence and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife he was predeceased by two sisters Connie Steiger and Gert Kent. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State St. Olean on Thursday from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held Friday (August 26, 2011) at 11:00am in the funeral home. Rev. Richard Young, pastor of the Hinsdale United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.