James A. Spencer, 91, of Middleburgh, New York, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, in Cobleskill, New York. A lifelong resident of Middleburgh, Jim was born on July 6, 1934, at the former Bull’s Head Inn in Middleburgh, the son of the late Frank R. Spencer and Matilda (Rivenburg) Spencer.
He was married to his beloved wife, Eleanor (Borgelt) Spencer, for 52 years until her passing in 2024. Together, they built a strong family and a lasting legacy of service and devotion.
After graduating from Middleburgh Central School, Jim attended Northeastern University before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He proudly served five years on active duty as a navigator on B-29 aircraft, performing midair refueling missions. He later continued his service with the Air National Guard for 10 years, occasionally flying cargo planes into Da Nang, Vietnam.
Following his military service, he attended the State University of Albany and Albany Law School. Upon graduation, he practiced law for more than 25 years before serving as a Family Court Hearing Examiner with the New York State Office of Court Administration for nine years, retiring in 1994. His dedication to public service extended throughout his career, he served as Village Attorney, Town Attorney, School Attorney, and as a member of the Middleburgh Central School Board. He was also a member of the Schoharie County Board of Ethics.
Jim was deeply devoted to his faith and his community. A member of the Middleburgh Reformed Church, he served faithfully as a Deacon and Elder for 26 years. He was a founding member of the Schoharie County Council on Alcoholism and a member of the County Narcotics Council for several years.
A proud veteran and community leader, he was a member of American Legion Chapter 248. He was also a Past Master of Middleburgh Lodge #663, a current member of Schoharie Valley Lodge #491, a Mason for 65 years. A Rotarian since 1966, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, served as President of the Rotary Club of Middleburgh, and as District Governor of Rotary International District #7190 from 1999–2000. From 2006–2008, he represented Rotary International as an Alternate Representative to the United Nations in New York.
Jim is survived by his brother: Robert Spencer and 5 children: Kim (Hoerz) Smith, Robert Hoerz, Allen Spencer, Stephen Hoerz (Vicky) and Lane Spencer (Brenda); nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Jim will be remembered for his lifetime of love and faith, his service, and his unwavering commitment to family, community, and country. His kindness, steady guidance, and devotion to community will continue to inspire all who knew him.
All are invited to visit with Jim’s family from 5:00–7:00PM on Friday, September 5, 2025 at Coltrain Funeral Home. LLC 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122 and to the Memorial service at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Middleburgh Reformed Church, 178 River Street Middleburgh, NY 12122. Military Honors will follow the Funeral service at the church. Private inurnment will be in the Middleburgh Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Middleburgh Reformed Church, PO Box 112 Middleburgh, NY 12122 or the Middleburgh Rotary Club, PO Box 1100, Middleburgh, NY 12122
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Jim’s family.
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