Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
James (Jimmy) Hilary Spring of Vero Beach passed away peacefully January 28, 2025, at the age of 81. He died at home in the loving company of his family after showing his indomitable spirit through decades-long hard-fought battles with Parkinson’s disease and melanoma.
Jimmy was born October 12, 1943, in Richmond Virginia. He graduated from Fordham Prep in 1961 and Harpur College in 1965. The friends he made as a pitcher and co-captain of the Harpur Colonials and as a member of the Goliards Social Club remained close throughout his life. But the highlight of his time at Harpur was falling for Barbara Jean Mitchell. They married August 28, 1965 and he remained her devoted husband for 59 years, telling friends and family that he found her more beautiful with each passing year.
With Barbara always at his side, Jimmy travelled widely to spend time with family and friends; transformed hospitality into an artform; filled conversations with laughter; listened carefully to insights from young and old alike; celebrated the achievements and lives of his daughters and granddaughters; and taught relatives how to play cards, throw baseballs, answer riddles, and appreciate music and movies and ice cream.
These gifts translated nicely to his work in education, which began with teaching at Windsor High School. As a teacher, he was eager to connect personally with his students and had no interest in any negative labels previous teachers might have given them. He remained in education even after leaving the classroom, working as an Admissions Counselor, Admissions Director, acting Dean of Enrollment and Financial Aid, and as the Director of the Center for Quality (which he developed and ran) at Binghamton University. These positions enabled him to improve the educational experience of countless students. Sometimes, he did this directly by helping them navigate the college admissions and financial aid processes or even bringing them on college visits. At other times, his support for students was indirect, known only to the colleagues who were better able to serve them thanks to the improvements he facilitated in offices across campus.
His passions also extended beyond work. He played tennis, golf, basketball, and ping-pong; fixed clocks; followed the Dodgers and the Ravens; drove his Triumph Spitfire sports car; and wrote poetry and family histories. He also joined Barbara and his daughters for Washin-Ryu Karate lessons, earning a fourth-degree black belt from Master Hidy Ochiai, whose principled way of life Jimmy so admired that he proudly served on the board of directors for Hidy Ochiai Karate. Jimmy trained the Board of Directors and worked extensively with the Danielle House, which is named in honor of dear friend Danielle Stento and which offers a temporary, safe and homelike atmosphere for outpatients and for patients’ families and loved ones and for outpatients in Johnson City, NY.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his daughters Michele, Suzanne (Jenn), and Kimberly; his granddaughter Auden and his step-granddaughter Loren; his siblings Francese, Judy (Donny), Michael, and Margaret (Bill); his sister-in-law Rosamond; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends (life-long and months-old).
He is preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Arthur “Mum and Grumps”; his brothers Arthur and Justin; his brother-in-law Ron; and Kimberly’s beloved Mark.
To support his fight against Parkinson’s disease, donations can be given to Rock Steady Boxing at Gus Curren’s House of Champions through this GoFundMe account at https://gofund.me/bbcf9d5c or directly to the not-for-profit Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County at https://alzpark.org/.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. We look forward to welcoming family and friends to gather and share memories of the many ways Jimmy’s loving care, generous energy, and unfailing loyalty left a mark on all who met him.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Rosamond Spring
February 4, 2025, 1:50 am
This is a fine depiction of a life rich in the love of family and excellence in education, in friendship, in a wise and compassionate listening ear. His brother Art was always proud of him… of his accomplishments and talents, of his devotion to his beautiful family. So grateful to have known him. He truly felt the joys and sorrows of the many many people he loved.
Costello
February 4, 2025, 6:03 pm
To Barbara, Michelle, Suzanne, Kimberly and the extended Spring Family we send our deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. May he Rest in Peace.
It was a pleasure to have you all visit us in Whitechurch during your trip to Ireland.
Peter and Geraldine
Bob McCulloch
February 4, 2025, 9:42 pm
What a wonderful remembrance of a life few can accomplish. He was a man steadfast in his ideals and principles to which he remained unwaveringly faithful throughout his life. He was so humble that it was easy to forget his impact on so many. I am proud to have been able to share so many experiences with him over the years. I will miss him dearly.
Freda Plomaritis
February 5, 2025, 1:38 pm
Dear Barbara and family…..being a neighbor and friend, it was a treat to have met you and Jim. I enjoyed Our little get-togethers at Panera’s and will always remember long conversations amongst us! I remember my first contact with Jim while still living in Germany in the 90’s! Will keep all those memories! Keep well!❤️
Priscilla Ksionzyk
February 6, 2025, 2:55 am
Mr Spring was one of my favorite teachers at Windsor. He was well loved and respected. A great teacher.
I got to see him at a couple class of 70 get togethers.
Fly high Mr Spring
Bill Gole
February 6, 2025, 4:35 pm
A man for all seasons. Teacher, advisor, husband, father, and friend. I consider myself lucky to be numbered among those friends. Jim’s generosity throughout his life and his grit and dignity in dealing with late life’s challenges are models for us all. Here’s to you, my friend, and them like you….damn few!