James F. (Jim) Spitzer
August 7, 1920
December 28, 2014
Long time Colorado Springs resident and remarkable man Jim Spitzer joined the love of his life, Jean Spitzer, and left behind a loving family. His life and USAF career was remarkable on many levels. He retired from the Air Force after 31 years of active duty as a CMSgt (E-9) serving in the Army Air Corps in WWII from 1942-1945 and later in the USAF from 1946-1973. In the Army Air Corps, he was a radio operator crewmember on numerous types of bomber and cargo aircraft ferrying the aircraft from the US to Africa. In the Air Force, He was assigned to the Attaché offices in Morocco and Mexico and later entered the communications career field for the remainder of his career. He received numerous awards and decorations to include the Meritorious Service Medal and Chief Enlisted Aircrew Badge (wings). After retiring he worked for New York Life Insurance Company and at the Base Exchange at Peterson AFB.
His intellect, energy and curiosity were incredible. He earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 52 and received a BS in Business Administration from Regis University at the age of 71. He was a member of Toastmasters, AF Sergeants Association, Knights of Columbus, and on a committee for Ent Federal Credit Union. He served his community by being a driver for Silver Key for over five years amassing 240,000 city miles. He was a superb golfer and had a hole-in-one while stationed in Mexico City. He loved music and had a great singing voice. He even serenaded nurses and caregivers at home and in the hospital. He read voraciously. What a great example and role model he was for his family of four generations.
He is survived by five children: Sons Brian (Olinda) and Kelly (Patti) Spitzer and daughters Janine (John) Orr, Marcia (Tom) Davenport and Johanna (Joseph) Sweat. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren and was preceded in death by another son, John Spitzer. He touched us all and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain on Tuesday, 6 January.