James Spencer

Middleburgh- James M. Spencer, 87, of Clauverwie, died Sunday, October 24, 2010 at Cobleskill Regional Hospital following a long illness.

Born October 22, 1923 in Middleburgh, Jim was the son of Merritt and Florence (Warner) Spencer. He was raised in Breakabeen.
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He was a master mechanic, beginning at the age of 16, he was employed at Woods Service Station by the late John and his son, Robert. After retiring, Jim worked at Van Dyke Motors in Middleburgh and later at Bridgestone Firestone located in Albany and retired after twenty years of service there.

He was an expert mechanic, repairing anything and was called on by many for help. In later years. he received his GED and completed many automotive courses while employed with Firestone, where he also received certification of excellence.

He married Josephine E. Lawyer on December 3, 1943 and she predeceased him on March 30, 2010. They enjoyed traveling and spent their earlier years vacationing in parts of the South and Maine, and seeing the sights of New York City.

Survivors include his daughter, Cathleen Klupka of Sharon Springs; a granddaughter, Christine Howe and great-grandson, Joshua, both of Takoma Park, MD; five sisters-in-law: Virginia (Emmett) Mahoney of Middleburgh, Marian Del Giorno of Schoharie, Helene Curran and Janice Alessi, both of Cobleskill and Myrtle Spencer of Schoharie; a brother-in-law: Otis R. (Shirley) Lawyer of Schoharie, and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at Breakabeen Cemetery in Breakabeen, NY with Rev. Robert Kendall of the Breakabeen Presbyterian Church officiating. There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, Inc., P.O. Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.