SPIERS, James Wayne Murray Spiers

Some lives are measured by accomplishments, others by the number of hearts they touch. Jim’s life was rich in both.

On June 10, 2026, James Wayne Murray Spiers passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, in Port Perry, Ontario, at the age of 79, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, friendships, and love.

Born in Oshawa on February 16, 1947, Jim believed in showing up for the people he cared about. He built a life grounded in family, loyalty, hard work, and gratitude for the simple pleasures that made life meaningful. After graduating from Trent University in 1970 with a degree in Economics, he married Nancy, the love of his life, on June 20 of that same year. Together they created a partnership that would span nearly 56 years and become the foundation of a family that brought him endless pride and joy.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, Andrew (Ashleigh); his daughter, Marni (Wes); his treasured grandchildren, Dwight, Bennett, and Kenzie; and his sister-in-law, Pam. He will also be deeply missed by extended family, lifelong friends, teammates, fellow campers, runners, and the countless young athletes whose lives were shaped by his encouragement and example.

For more than three decades, Jim devoted his professional life to Ontario Hydro, earning the respect of colleagues through his integrity, dedication, and quiet professionalism.

But work was only one chapter of his story.

Baseball was one of Jim’s great loves. A gifted catcher and pitcher, he spent decades playing the game and later passing his knowledge on to others. Through the Oshawa Shamrocks and Oshawa Double B teams, he coached generations of young athletes, teaching not only the fundamentals of baseball but also the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Long after the final innings were played, the lessons he shared continued to echo in the lives of those he coached.

Jim also had the rare ability to build things with his hands and improve nearly anything he touched. Whether tackling a carpentry project, repairing something for a friend, or helping a family member bring an idea to life, he approached every task with patience, precision, and care. His craftsmanship reflected the way he lived—thoughtfully, thoroughly, and always with pride.

Many of Jim’s happiest memories were made in Fenelon Falls, where summers were spent at a family cottage surrounded by the people he loved most. There he found joy in fishing, laughter around the water, and the unhurried rhythm of cottage life. Later, retirement opened another adventure. Jim and Nancy purchased their first camper trailer and spent nearly fifteen summers exploring new destinations, collecting stories, and sharing countless sunsets together.

The holiday season brought another cherished tradition. Every year, Jim and Andrew looked forward to watching the World Junior Hockey Championships together. The games were only part of it; the conversations, debates, laughter, and time spent side by side became some of their most treasured memories.

Marni and Jim also shared a special bond. At a very young age, Jim introduced Marni to old musical movies, which led her to become a lover of musicals! Marni later participated in musicals at her school, sometimes taking lead roles, with Jim front row cheering her on.  And, at her wedding, Jim and Marni sang a song from one of their favourite musicals.  Even during Jim’s final months and weeks, the two of them would text or call letting the other know if there was a musical scheduled to appear on TV.

One of Jim’s biggest joys was when he was called, “papa” and “grandpa” and when he had the opportunities to spend time with his 3 grandchildren. Jim was so proud of his 3 amazing athletes – Dwight plays baseball, basketball and bowling, Bennett is an amazing basketball and flag football player, as well as an awesome swimmer, and Kenzie is totally hooked on girls hockey and plays on a rep team.

Jim also found happiness in the companionship of dogs. He had a special affection for them throughout his life, and few brought him more joy than his beloved Beezus. The loyalty, comfort, and unconditional love of a good dog resonated deeply with him.

Running became another important part of Jim’s journey. Beyond the miles and finish lines, it gave him lasting friendships, including the close-knit group affectionately known as his “harem,” who remained loyal friends and stayed connected with him throughout the years. True to his determined spirit, Jim completed three half-marathons after suffering a heart attack—an achievement that reflected his resilience, courage, and refusal to let adversity define him.

Jim and Nancy had a very special relationship. They remained truly in love throughout their entire lives together. He never forgot a single birthday, anniversary, Mothers’ Day or Christmas! In fact, he did all his own shopping. Every gift was carefully planned!! They loved to go out for meals and Jim never ever forgot to open the car door for her.  There was never a place that they felt shy about saying “I love you” or giving one another a quick kiss. Nancy has many memories to cherish.

If there is a lesson woven through Jim’s life, it is that the moments we treasure most are often the simplest ones: teaching a child how to throw a baseball, helping someone fix what is broken, sharing a hockey game with his son, enjoying a show tune with his daughter, walking a dog, casting a fishing line into quiet water, or sitting beside the person you love at the end of another day.

Jim’s story lives on in the family he adored, the friendships he nurtured, the players he mentored, and the memories he leaves behind. Though he is no longer with us, his presence remains in all the lives he touched and in the countless moments that will forever remind us of him.

We miss you, and we will love you always.

Nancy, Andrew, Marni, Ashleigh, Wes, Pam, Dwight, Bennett, and Kenzie

In memory of Jim, and in honour of his lifelong love of dogs, donations to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Durham Region Animal Centre would be appreciated. Donations to Oak Ridges Hospice are also welcome to support patients and families facing cancer.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 at Woodview Park Clubhouse, 151 Cadillac Avenue, Oshawa, Ontario, from 11am-1pm, followed by a ball game at Connaught Park, 449 Jarvis Street, Oshawa, Ontario. Everyone is invited to join in the game or cheer the players on from the bleachers! Wear your runners and bring your gloves.

Celebration of Life