James Spann

Funeral services for James Spann were held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Berean Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Russ Grim officiating.

Music was provided by Christian, Shelby, and Jordan Spann, and Janeen Hlavka was pianist. Carolee Cavanaugh and Annie Marts were in charge of arrangements, and flower attendants were Lisa Kerner and Janice Grenoble.

Casket bearers were LeRoy Miller, Vic Schmitz, Rick Schmitz, Doug Steffen, Lucas Adams, Ken Taylor, Bill Sinkular, and Randy Odenbach. Honorary casket bearers were IOOF Lodge #189, Jim’s past and present employees, and the Class of 1976. Burial was in the Willowdale Cemetery in Newport, NE. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

James Frederick Spann was born in Winner, SD, on September 4, 1958, the son of Otto and Marjorie (Kurzenberger) Spann of Dallas, SD. He had two older sisters, Cora and Marjorie, and one older brother, Larry. He attended Dallas Grade School through the sixth grade and graduated from Gregory High School in 1976 as an honor student. Jim joined the Navy and went into the ROTC program after high school.

Jim grew up in the Episcopal Church in Gregory, SD. Later he attended the Berean Church where he and Carolyn raised their family. His faith and trust in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior were very important to him and his family.

Jim and Carolyn Christensen grew up as childhood friends, classmates, and business partners. They were married on January 4, 2003. To this union three children were born: a son Christian and twin daughters Jordan and Shelby. Raising and supporting his family was Jim’s number-one priority.

Jim and Carolyn had many business adventures including building Super 8 Motels in various parts of the United States where he won an award for the “Cleanesta Job Site of the Year”, owning and operating Club 18 in Dallas, SD, Spann’s Construction Company, a farm and ranch operation, and many activities with family. He enjoyed helping his children with their 4-H projects and attending their various school activities. His children were his ultimate pride and joy.

Jim was very active and well known in the community and surrounding area, helping anyone at a moment’s notice.

Joining the IOOF Lodge was a commitment he took very seriously, and he spent many hours working on the various projects until his health prevented him from doing so. Even during his failing health, he kept working by phone with ideas, suggestions, and encouragement to all involved.

Jim passed away on May 26, 2022, at the age of 63 years after a long battle with cancer.

Jim is survived by his wife Carolyn; son Christian; daughters Jordan and Shelby of Gregory, SD; sister Marjorie (Alvin) Lukins of Yankton, SD; brother Larry (Roberta) Spann of Gregory, SD; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephew and cousins; in-laws Dorsie Lemer, Ray (Molly) Watson, Dana Clark, and Randy (Cindy) Christensen.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Marjorie Spann, sister Cora Spann, parents-in-law Howard and Bonnie Christensen, and brothers-in-law Jim Watson and Bob Watson.