James SPEZZANO

James S. Spezzano, 91, passed away peacefully on November 12 in his home. Jim was born February 3, 1919 in Leicester, Michigan to Ruth and Louis Spezzano. After high school he attended Wayne State University, graduating with a B.A. in Arts Education. While at Wayne State he met and married Mona Hotchkiss, in 1939. They raised a daughter Kaylyn (Kim).Jim was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. While in the states he played trumpet with an Army dance band, and then was deployed to the South Pacific where he worked in a base ordinance company. He was honorably discharged in 1946.After the war Jim was accepted into a training program with Ford Motor Company. He worked at Ford for thirty-three years, where he retired as Plant Industrial Relations Manager. He was responsible for all phases of personnel function, including labor negotiations, at all levels of corporate organization from plant and division through central staff. He was also a part-time instructor at Henry Ford Community College, the University of Louisville, and Mohave Community College.In 1975 Jim married Carol Weinberg. In 1977 they vacationed in Lake Havasu City and immediately fell in love with the area. In 1980 he retired from Ford and they moved to Lake Havasu City. He very quickly became active in the community and was appointed to the City Council in 1982. In 1983 he was elected Mayor by council members, and reelected in 1985. In 1987 he became the first Mayor by direct election of the voters. In addition, he served Lake Havasu City in the following capacities: President of the local crisis line organization, Board of Directors, Community Fund, Charter member, Board Member and Vice-President of Kiwanis, Golden “K” chapter, Bureau of Land Management, Yuma District Advisory Council, chairman of the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.In 1999 Jim married Ingrid Jacobsthal. In addition to continuing to be active in the community, they enjoyed traveling and gardening together.Jim is survived by his grandchildren Kate McMillan (and Scott) of Grafton, NY, John Ryan of Ithaca, NY, and Bill Ryan (and Kaarin) of Grand Haven, MI, and three great-grandchildren Joshua, Anneli and Sofia Ryan. He was preceded in death by his wives Mona, Carol and Ingrid, his daughter Kim, and sister Amelia Line.Jim’s family is grateful for the support shown Jim by his many friends during this last phase of his life. They are especially appreciative of the support and care provided by Care Path Senior Solutions and New Hope Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Jim’s name to New Hope Hospice of Lake Havasu City, 500 N. Lake Havasu Ave., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403.A Memorial Service and reception will be held 11:30 am on Monday November 22 at the Elks Lodge in Lake Havasu City.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.

James SPEZZANO

November 12, 2010