PORTSMOUTH—James R. Spacek, 74, passed away February 1, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Jim was born at Parrish Memorial Hospital on April 29, 1948 to the late John A. Spacek and Margaret S. Spacek.  He grew up in Cradock and attended Holy Angels School. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Portsmouth Catholic High School and a proud 1970 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, with a degree in Civil Engineering.  He would later receive two master's degrees, Master of Engineering and MBA, from ODU.

Following his graduation from VMI, Jim served in the U.S. Army, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Army Reserve for 25 years, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He also worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard before joining the engineering firm Hayes, Seay, Mattern & Mattern in 1973.

Jim began working for the City of Portsmouth in 1976.  After serving as Assistant Director of the Department of Public Utilities, he was promoted to Director in 1984, a position he held until his retirement in 2009.

Jim married the love of his life, the former Marilou A. Frazier, in 1977.  Their union lasted 33 years until her death in 2010.  Jim made it his mission to provide care to his beloved wife as she battled multiple sclerosis.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his brother John A. Spacek II.  Left to cherish his memory are his brother Paul K. Spacek (Loretta) of Centennial, CO, and his children: Meg Bairley (Dan) of Fredericksburg, VA, Katie Barnes (Josh) of Virginia Beach, and John Spacek of Henrico, VA.  Survivors also include his four grandchildren, Braden, Floyd, Owen, and Freddie, and a long list of family and friends.

The family would like to thank the team at Marion Manor and Our Lady of Perpetual Help for the care they gave our father.  The family is especially grateful for the friendship of Marian Manor caregiver, Marc Clemente, a fellow VMI "Rat."

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 13, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 522 High St., Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Parkinson's Foundation , or St. Paul Catholic Church, c/o 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth, VA 23703. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.