James M. Spencer
Oct. 14, 1940–April 14, 2022
James Milton Spencer was born in Indianapolis on Oct. 14, 1940, to Ralph D. and Modessa V. Spencer. Jim grew up in Sheridan, Indiana where he graduated from high school and married the love of his life, Sharon Sue Padgett in 1958.
He then earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies and physical education at Indiana State, followed by his master’s degree in American history at Purdue. Jim taught and coached at Darlington, Coal Creek Central, Northridge Middle School and North Montgomery High School for 35 years except for brief interludes in which he served as the social studies consultant for the Indiana Department of Education in Indianapolis as well as spending a year at Purdue University as their first master-teacher-in-residence.
Following his retirement from public schools, Jim became the founding headmaster of Covenant Christian High School on the west-side of Indianapolis. During his 10 years there, they were able to build a state-of-the-art building as well as being accredited by the State of Indiana and the Association of Christian Schools International. He was most pleased that in 2003, Christianity Today Magazine named Covenant the best private Christian school to work at in the nation.
Most of Jim’s summers as a school teacher were spent doing carpenter work, the highlight of which was working with his two sons to build their retirement home. Much of Jim’s retirement time was spent in his workshop building furniture for family and friends. He always had a love-affair with wood and has planted trees wherever they have lived.
Jim also served as the founding pastor of Harvest Fellowship as well as interim pastor of a number of area churches. He spent over 30 years teaching Bible studies whenever and wherever he could as he was fascinated with the good news of the Gospel.
He is survived by his wife, Sue, and children, Steve (Julie) Spencer, Patti (Rick) Ehrhardt, Jill (John) Maxwell and Brad (Bethany) Spencer. Jim and Sue were also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, April 22 at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W. Wabash Ave., Crawfordsville. Burial is at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 23 at the Spencer Cemetery, W 46th (N 1200 E) Sheridan, IN 46069. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23 at Harvest Fellowship Church, 1618 W. C.R. 500S, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to either: Covenant Christian High School, 7525 W. 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46214 or Harvest Fellowship, 1618 W. C.R. 500S, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
