James Edward (Jim) Spencer, age 73, of Ulysses, Kansas, died Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital in Ulysses, Kansas. He was born August 16, 1948, in Garden City, Kansas, the son of William O. and Mable A. (Smith) Spencer.

Jim spent most of his adult life in Ulysses. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War. Jim married Peggy A. Cowan on December 29, 1982. He owned and operated Jim Spencer Trucking for 20 years retiring in 2000. He again retired in 2016 from the City of Ulysses street department. Jim was a member of Northfork Tailgunners #502 for many years. He volunteered his time helping with the kids fishing derby, putting up guzzlers, planting CRP fields for the bird habitats, and every year at the Pheasants Forever banquet. Jim collected John Deere tractors and enjoyed his Friday night gatherings in the shop with friends and family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Peggy of their home; son, Thomas Whitworth and wife Kim of Nashville, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Melanie Spencer of Van Buren, Arkansas; brothers, Harry Spencer and wife Charlene of Goshen, Ohio, Dean Spencer and wife Loui of Edgewood, New Mexico, Chuck Spencer and wife Angie of Grenola, Kansas; sisters, Mary Morgan of Spiro, Oklahoma, Ruth (Sis) Wilkinson and husband Butch of Purdy, Missouri; brothers-in-law, Robert Cowan and wife Pam of Roseville, Minnesota, and Richard Cowan and wife Donna of Aberdeen, South Dakota; grandchildren, Jordan Spencer, Laken Scott, and Ty Whitworth and wife Makayla; great-grandchildren, Allison Spencer, McKynlee (Whitworth) Scott, Luke (Whitworth) Scott, and Laney Whitworth; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends.  

Jim is preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Dean Spencer; sisters, Alice Prewitt and Joan Patterson; and brother, Bob Spencer.

Per Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the Northfork Tailgunners #502 in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 405 W. Grant Ave., Ulysses, KS 67880. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.