James Albert Spencer, age 56, passed away surrounded by his sons on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was born in Las Vegas, Nevada to Shirl and Donna Spencer on July 31, 1969. From Las Vegas, his family moved to Glendale, then to Weiser, Idaho, where they had moved to help with Grandpa Arlo Alder’s farm. They moved back to Glendale when he was 14. James graduated from Valley High School in 1987.

After graduating high school, James spent some time in Provo, where he worked for Maxwell Asphalt. He then returned to Southern Utah, where he worked on uranium drill rigs in Northern Arizona,  cut firewood for his uncle Gerald Spencer and worked at Ramsay Oil. It was during this time that he met and married Rachelle Heaton. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Cedar City, where James worked in a cabinet shop while attending SUU for Electrical Engineering. While in Cedar City, James and Rachelle welcomed 3 boys, Denny “Deej”, Chase and Kyson. After James and Rachelle separated in 2009, James returned to Glendale, where he spent the remainder of his life. 

It was in Cedar, working in cabinet shops, that James seemed to find the profession that best suited him. Many will remember him for his love of finish carpentry, his ability to see, design and bring to life the custom cabinets, kitchens and trimwork that he spent so much of his life doing. He always had a tape measure with him and was ready to measure and discuss any project or idea that someone may have had. 

He played basketball through high school, and instilled a great love for the game in his boys. He taught them the game, and loved to watch them play through their high school years. Together, they watched and discussed a lot of Utah Jazz and college basketball, discussing the finer points of the game they all enjoyed. 

James always loved to tinker on cars. In his high school years, along with those shortly after, he owned several cars that he was always quick to describe, as well as to tell you how fast they would go. As he got older, it became more difficult for him to perform this work, but he still enjoyed it and spent time with his boys while they worked on projects. 

James was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He was quiet and reserved in most aspects, but he had great faith in his Savior, and a love of the Lord. He served in several callings, most recently as the ward clerk. He also spent several years as a scoutmaster, with experiences and scout camps that he would recall fondly. He always looked for ways to serve and help others, and his skill sets allowed him plenty of opportunities. 

James is survived by his mother Donna Spencer; children Denny “Deej” (Taylor) Spencer, Grand Junction, Colorado, Chase (Maddie) Spencer, Kanab, Utah, and Kyson Spencer, Glendale, Utah; his grandchildren Kacie Spencer, Alaina Spencer, McKenna Spencer  and Arlo Spencer; siblings Vicki (David) Chamberlain, Brawley, Calif., Karl (Lynette) Spencer, Orderville, Utah, Boyd (Nanette) Spencer, Cedar City, Utah, Becky (Matthew) Boyd, Syracuse, Utah, Natalie Spencer Reidhead, Farmington, Utah, Michelle (Alex) Moss, Montpelier, Idaho, Isaac (Josie) Spencer, Cedar City, Utah. He was preceded in death by his father Shirl Spencer. 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. in the Glendale Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 East 100 South, Glendale. A viewing will be held on Saturday before the funeral from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at the church.

 A livestream of the services can be viewed the day of the funeral at https://zoom.us/j/94398593020

We are asking that if you have any memories or pictures of James that you would like to share with the family, please send them to spencerchasea@gmail.com.

Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary.