James Spencer

James Mickey Spencer, 78, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away on March 23, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born on October 14, 1946, in Texarkana, TX, to William and Hugh Lee Spencer of Maud, TX. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Bob Spencer, and niece, Stacey Jordan. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary Spencer, daughter, Katy Spencer, sister Beth Carson of Maud, TX, sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Charles Walker of Shreveport, LA, sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Jimmy Rogers of Hot Springs Village, AR, and brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Loni Patton of Huntington, IN, as well as a whole host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who were like family.

Mickey was a graduate of Maud High School and East Texas State University. He spent 31 years in education, as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He loved teaching, but mostly he loved developing relationships with students to bring out the best in them. He made learning fun, from jumping on his desk to get students attention to dressing as Elvis as principal. He was an avid golfer, playing courses across the country. He loved to travel, to experience new places, diverse cultures, different foods, and local fair. He had a heart for those in need. He was passionate about people having enough to eat, spending much of his retirement feeding people in one capacity or another. He was dedicated to his church, lending a hand any time he could to whatever ministry was in need. He loved to laugh and have fun, making even the most mundane of tasks more interesting. He never stopped learning and growing, knowing that we must do better as we know better. He bravely fought cancer for over 18 years, using his experiences to encourage others. He was a devoted husband and a loving father. His family was everything to him. And family was more than just blood relation. He never let any of his loved ones guess how he felt about them. He was generous with “I love you,” and quick to forgive. He will be missed every day.

A special thanks to all staff at UAMS and to Dr James Suen, who after 18 years of treatments, became a trusted friend in the battle against cancer. Thank you also to all the staff of Dierksen Hospice, who made his last days as comfortable and as peaceful possible.

A memorial service will be held at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter, Inc, 402 Oak St, Texarkana, TX 75501.

Arrangements are under the direction of Tri-State Cremation and Funeral Services.