James "Jim" Ernest Spear, Jr.

James “Jim” Ernest Spear, Jr., age 79, born in New Orleans, Louisiana and a resident of Orange Beach, Alabama died Sunday, April 27, 2025, at William F. Green State Veterans Home.

Jim was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and uncle who lived an exciting life full of big dreams, heroic endeavors, and eccentric pursuits. His home was designed and decorated by his own folk art and the ability to turn any trinket into a treasure made him one of a kind. He was known as Jim-boy, Jimmy, Jim Daddy, SPEAR to those who loved and knew him.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1970, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. During his military service in the Vietnam War, he served as Pilot with the 121st Assault Helicopter Company, Soc Trang Tigers, Viking Gun Platoon. There he earned numerous commendations for bravery and leadership, including National Defense Service Medal, Army Aviator Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 2 O/S bars, Good Conduct Medal, and Air Medal for Heroism with 39 oak leaf clusters, one with valor. When he returned home, he was an aviation trainer and flight evaluator before his honorable discharge.

His enduring deep desire to fly helicopters continued as he embarked on a 30-year career with Petroleum Helicopters, Inc. which would include a record of accident-free flying providing transportation in the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, and lastly in Angola, Africa.

Jim Spear was truly an adventurer. Just out of high school he joined the Merchant Marines with stops in Egypt, Italy, Greece, and Puerto Rico. Between his military service and professional career, he worked briefly at Executive Helicopters in Atlanta where his passenger list included former president Jimmy Carter. He volunteered for work assignments over multiple summers in Alaska, including clean up of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

In his retirement he motorcycled across country, sailed boats, traveled extensively in Central and South America, built wooden boats, and continued his life-long interest in history and weaponry as an avid collector of swords, knives, and firearms. He loved telling stories of his adventures to his family and friends and gifting mementos found on his travels or at any flea market he came across.

Throughout his life, he lived on five continents before settling in Orange Beach, Alabama.

He is survived by two daughters Fonda Spear (Robert) Gestwicki of Panama City Beach, FL and Desiree Spear (Benjamin) Celaya of Thomasville, GA; his siblings Judith (Richard De Brito) Champagne of Lagunitas, CA, Martin Spear of Baldwin, LA, Thomas Spear of San Rafael, CA and Michael (Gloria) Spear of San Francisco, CA; and his grandchildren Adam (Amanda) Gestwicki, John Gestwicki, Malley Celaya (Tanner) Mikell, Spear Celaya; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents James E. Spear, Sr. and Esther Martin Spear.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, AL. A memorial fund has been created with Operation Restored Warrior to honor his legacy and to continue ORW’s important work at the link below.

https://orwonlineprograms.mykajabi.com/james-jim-spear