James "Jim" Spires

November 5, 1937 ~ April 30, 2025
Born in:
Cayce, South Carolina
Resided in:
San Antonio, Texas
James Eugene Spires ‘Jim’, 87, passed away after complications from surgery on 30 April 2025, at Baptist Hospital with his loving wife Gisela by his side.
Jim was born in Cayce, SC on 5 November 1937 to Ola ‘Dixie’ Caraway and Colie Spires. Jim was currently living in San Antonio, Tx.
Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gisela; his children, son, James and wife, Sonya of Temple, Tx, granddaughter Angela with great-granddaughters Jayde & Ali & son, Jeff and wife, Megan of North Bend, Wa and his four grandchildren, Owen and wife, Ashley and great-grandson, Austin James, Carson, Tanner and Eli and his beloved dog, Lily Grace. Jim and his wife, Gisela were inseparable and their life was a testament to the power of love.
Jim served 8 years in the US Air Force then went on to work for the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for almost 30 years where he retired as Chief of the Data Processing Department. His favorite places he lived were Anchorage, Alaska and Munich, Germany.
After retirement Jim & Gisela sold their house in Dallas and moved into an RV to travel the country. On a trip into Mexico they were introduced to Fantasy RV Tours, an RV travel company and joined that company later that year. They worked and traveled with them for 20 years before finally settling down and buying a brick and mortar home again. This job was the highlight of a life well traveled. Jim became an owner in the company and he and Gisela designed many tours and hosted tours all over Canada, USA, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Jim and Gisela had a love for travel and visited over 125 countries and all seven continents. One of the favorite trips was to go to Germany for the Christmas Markets and they did this 7 times over the years.
Jim was an avid Bridge player since the Air Force and sometimes played 3 times a week. He enjoyed long ocean cruises where he got to play and meet interesting people. His last Transatlantic Cruise in 2025 he played every one of the 18 days. You know he loved it because he had to get up before daylight to have breakfast before game play!
Jim will be laid to rest at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Tx. No final arrangements have been made yet. Gisela will host a Celebration of Life for Jim, date to be determined.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the hospice care team for their compassion and support during Jim’s final days.

Godspeed Jim we worked together for several years and you and Gisela had a happy retirement together
Your New Zealand Friend
Robyn xx
Oh Gisela, I am so sorry to hear about Jim passing. It was an honour to know him. Thinking about you and the sadness and loss you feel. Your English friend Val Rawlings xx
Jim,
Thank you for your kindness you always showed us.
Pamela and Richard Tapert
Gisela a big hug and lots of love. Heide
Cherish your many wonderful memories❤️
We are heartbroken to hear about Jim’s passing. We can only imagine the depth of your loss after sharing over 30 years of life, love, and memories together. Please know that our hearts are with you during this incredibly difficult time.
Jim was a remarkable person—kind, generous, and deeply devoted to you. His presence will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the stories you’ve shared and the love that surrounded your life together.
If there is anything you need, whether now or in the weeks to come, We are here for you—always.
Yasaman and Russ Contractor
With love and deepest sympathy,