Obituary of James A. Spears

James A Spears of 709 N. Union St. passed away peacefully at home Monday (September 26, 2016) in the loving presence of his family after a long illness. Born February 5, 1956 in Olean he was the son of James C. and Betty J. Benham Spears. On August 20, 2005 in Little Genesee he married Sheila L. Smith who survives. Mr. Spears was a graduate of Olean High School and first worked for a local grocery store. He later worked for Dresser Rand Co. for 41 years, principally as a pipe fitter. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and was a man who worked hard and who enjoyed his work and his family. He liked doing word search and all other kinds of puzzles daily. He loved the outdoors and as a young man he liked being on the Allegheny River fishing and boating. In recent years he really enjoyed helping his wife at their store Little Blessings. Surviving besides his wife are 5 children Shandel Spears, James Todd Spears and Jebidiah Hindle, all of Olean, Jacob Spears and Kennlee Spears, both at home; 1 granddaughter Rose Marie "Rosie" Spears; 1 sister Pamela (Ernie) Briggs of New Orleans, LA; 1 niece Jamie (Ron) Chesterman, 3 nephews Ernie (Amberly) Briggs, Shawn Briggs and Casey (Hollye) Briggs and 5 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and also his grandparents Jim and Alice Spears and Cotty and Bernice Kuzak. Friends will be receive on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9pm at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State St. Olean. Funeral services will be held Friday (September 30, 2016) at 11:00am in Christ United Methodist Church. Rev. Suzanne Block, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Allegany Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church 633 Linwood Avenue, Olean, NY 14760. Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.