Mr James Winfred Spears

May 14, 1926 - June 2, 2022

James Winfred Spears Madison, MS James "J.W." Spears of Madison, a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was reunited with Jesus and his loved ones in heaven on June 2, 2022. He was 96. Affectionately called "Uncle Wimp" by his nieces and nephews, J.W. was anything but, as his legendary (and sometimes rebellious) stories would attest. Those who knew him knew how much joy he got out of sharing some of his favorite memories with anyone who'd listen, and it didn't take long to be fully captivated. With every detail, his bright blue eyes would light up talking about any one of his escapades, like the time he was caught in a neighbor's watermelon patch as a child, or when he'd race his buddies to downtown Philadelphia, or the funny conversations he'd have with his granddaughter during daycare pickup. His stories were a gift to all those around him and a treasured glimpse into a long life filled with love, laughter and plenty of mischief. James Winfred Spears was born on May 14, 1926, in Leake County, Miss. The oldest son of James Alford Spears and Sudie Mae Spears, he grew up in the Sunrise community of Leake County, where he attended Edinburg High School. He joined the Army Air Force in 1944 and was assigned to the 1001st Air Materials Squadron during World War II. In January 1948, J.W. became a journeyman lineman for Mississippi Power and Light, now Entergy, where he served for 44 years, retiring as a systems dispatcher in 1991. He was an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 60 years. J.W. cherished spending time with his family, in particular his two daughters, Jamie and Judy; his sons-in-law, Dennis and Buddy; and his four grandchildren, Ryan, Stuart, Megan and Kelley, who couldn't have asked for a better "Granddaddy." He enjoyed country music and the Grand Ole Opry; frying catfish for family and friends; and was a lunchtime regular at Mama Hamil's in Madison. He was proud to have traveled to nearly every U.S. state. J.W. is survived by a brother, Jerry Spears (Becky), and sister-in-law, Jean Spears; daughters Jamie Peters (Dennis) and Judy Voelkel (Buddy); grandchildren Ryan Lamar (Melissa), Stuart Peters, Megan Rathburn (Kolo) and Kelley Voelkel; and great-grandchildren Jude Lamar and Elizabeth Rathburn, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Retha Spears, and his second wife, Ann Spears; mother, Sudie, and father, James; sisters Merlene Jolly and Sue Breazeale; and brothers Ed and Tommy. Visitation will be held at Wilcox Funeral Home in Carthage on Monday, June 6, from 1-1:30 p.m. J.W. will be laid to rest at the Sunrise Baptist Church Cemetery in Leake County on Monday, June 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm.