James Scott “Jim” Spain, 74, of Fredericksburg, VA, died peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2021. Born in Washington, D.C., Jim lived in several places growing up with parents, Nancy W. and Omar N. Spain, a retired Naval Officer, when they lived in Skaneateles. Jim graduated from Skaneateles Class of 1964, and was married to classmate Leigh Mullins Spain, whom he reconnected with at their 20th class reunion and married a year later. Jim also graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, N.Y. Besides Leigh, Jim is survived by siblings John (Barbara), of Skaneateles, Norman (Judith) of KY, sister-in-law, Pamela, of CA, and children, Alison (Ben Walker), Casey Harrington (Jamie Vasquez), Bradley (Kathleen), Andrew (Amy), Denise; and grandchildren Ingram, Corin, Lindsey, Livia, Sevin, Tyler, Elliott, Emily and Ella. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy, brother Tom, and first wife, Marcia.
Jim was a man of faith, hope and humor. He served the communities in which he lived, as an involved congregate at United Parish of Bowie, MD, Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Vienna, VA, and Christ Lutheran Church of Fredericksburg, VA. He coached his children and grandchildren in youth soccer for more than 30 years and received the Community Assist Award for the Washington region from the Positive Coaching Alliance for contributions to youth sports. Jim was a volunteer for the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, VA, and his faith was manifest through his actions. For many years, Vienna, VA remained Jim and Leigh’s winter home, with Skaneateles their summer home, where they enjoyed spending time with friends and family.
Donations in Jim’s honor can be made to CurePSP (psp.org) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (michaeljfox.org). A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
