Obituary: James Spiker

January 22, 1931 – August 10, 2024

James Lester “Jim” Spiker, 93, passed away on August 10, 2024, in Eagle, Colorado. Born on January 22, 1931, in Macomb, Illinois, Jim was a beacon of kindness and creativity throughout his life. Jim was cherished for his caring nature, creative spirit, and boundless enthusiasm. Known as a true gentleman, he generously contributed to the lives of those around him at every opportunity. His legacy of kindness and dedication to his family and community will be remembered by all who knew him.
Jim was the son of Chalmer Perrine Spiker and Genevieve Hittle Spiker, and the brother of John A. Spiker. He was raised in Bushnell, IL. Jim graduated from the University of Colorado in 1952, having majored in journalism. He received an MBA from the University of Chicago Executive Program in 1962.
Upon graduating from Colorado, he served as a reporter for the Northern Wyoming Daily News in Worland, WY and the Amarillo Daily News in Amarillo, TX, before becoming the managing editor in the Laramie Boomerang in Laramie, WY and later the general manager of the Yellowstone News in Billings, MT. Jim began a 25-year career with Illinois Bell Telephone in Chicago, starting in 1959, working in public relations and commercial operations, becoming the director of educational relations.
In 1985 Jim became the president of Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Bushnell, IL and became CEO and chairman of the bank and the holding company in the following year. He retired from the bank in 2000.
Jim was always active in his community. In Chicago he served as president of Oak Brook Association of Commerce and Industry, the Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Committee of One Hundred, the Hinsdale Community Concert Association, and the Oak School PTA in Hinsdale. He was chairman of the College of DuPage Caucus and served on the boards of Hinsdale High School District 86 and WBEZ-FM Public Radio in Chicago. He was a member of the Chicago Headline Club and the DuPage Press Association. In central Illinois Jim was a member of the board and executive committee of Convocom public television and a member of the executive committee and chair of the development committee of the senate of Monmouth College. In the Vail Valley during the later years of his life, Jim was an active member of Eagle River Presbyterian Church and volunteered at Walking Mountain Science Center and Vail Health Hospital.
Jim married Ruthmary Pasco of Billings, MT in 1954 and they divorced in 1987. He married Barbara King Heninger of Davenport, IA in 1996. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 28 years, Barbara, by fifteen days. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents and his brother. He is survived by his son, Scott Spiker (Nancy) of Fort Worth, TX; daughter, Anne Spiker Heller (Andy) of Chicago, IL; grandchildren, Alex, Heidi, and Blake Heller, and Margaret and Madeline Spiker. He also held a special place in his heart for Barbara’s four children, spouses, nine grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in several months, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and legacy. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eagle River Presbyterian Church at P.O. Box 4660, Avon, CO 81620, or the Walking Mountain Science Center at 318 Walking Mountain Ln, Avon, CO 81620, organizations that were close to Jim’s heart.