James "Jim" Spires

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 two children, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Son James and wife Sonya of Temple, Tx, granddaughter Angela with great-granddaughters Jayde & Ali and 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 11 1/2 years in the US Air Force then went on to work for the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for 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 21 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 on 2 June 2025 at 1045AM. Gisela will host a Celebration of Life for Jim on 1 June 2025 at 2PM in the Hill Country Retreat Ballroom, 4550 Del Webb Blvd; San Antonio, Tx 78253. Coffee and cake will be served.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the hospice care team for their compassion and support during Jim’s final days.