James E. "Schooner" Spencer, 87, of Paw Paw, WV left this earthly world on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at his home in Paw Paw.

He was born January 10, 1929 in Paw Paw and was the son of the late Alonzo Spencer and Pauline Allen Spencer.

James worked for Consolidated Orchard Company and retired from Schmidt's Baking Company.  He was a lifelong member of The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob in Paw Paw.  He loved picking apples and playing baseball.  He held the record for most apples picked and most bases stolen (nine in one game).  He was named most distinguished West Virginian and served as a Paw Paw Park Commissioner.  He umpired Little League baseball and was manager and coach of Pen-Mar Baseball.  James was an icon to his community.

On November 18, 1954, he married Darlene Jean Brumback Spencer.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, he is survived by –

Three daughters –

Donna C. Twigg of Paw Paw, WV

Pamela Spencer of Harrisburg, PA

Regina Spencer-Keller (& Derek) of Paw Paw, WV

One son –

Darrick W. Spencer of Harlington, TX

Two sisters –

Betty Lou Clark of Harrisburg, PA

Caroline "Padden" Enos of Harrisburg, PA

Eleven grandchildren – Chuckie, Edward, J.R., Eric, Amanda, Rebecca, Michael, Jalen, Makiya, Laylah and Mya

Seven great-grandchildren – Dreden, Kiara, Erica, Xavier, Malia, Josiah and Adlynn

Two sisters-in-law –

Yvonne "Sue" Powell of Martinsburg, WV

Dollie Spencer of Paw Paw, WV

One brother-in-law –

Leonard "Dick" Powell of Harrisburg, PA

And numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends

He was preceded in death by one son – James Edward Spencer, Jr., one granddaughter – Evonne Michelle Chamberlain, four brothers – Belmont "Bootie" Spencer, Charles "Plug" Spencer, Leon "Poodley" Spencer and Bing Spencer and three sisters – Christina "Chinch" Fields, Rosalee "Bitty" Fields and Alma "Nat" Powell.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 20 at Kimble Funeral Home in Paw Paw.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, October 21 at The Supreme Council House of Jacob in Paw Paw with Advance Presiding Elder Mark Faith and Assistant Presiding Elder David Mundey officiating.

Interment will be at Camp Hill Cemetery at Paw Paw.