James H. Spratley

James H. Spratley Sr. was born May 13, 1950, in Phoenix, Mississippi, to the union of Murielene and Charles Spratley Sr. He was raised in Los Angeles, California, and attended the local public schools. He graduated from (Fremont High), and Watts Skill Center where he got a degree in body and fender. He continued his education at Los Angeles Trade Tech where he got his degree as journeymen in diesel mechanics. In 1976, he started working for Greyhound Bus Lines in Los Angeles, California as a diesel mechanic. James met the love of his life, Carmen in November 1976 in Beverly Hills, California. They were wed on September 2, 1977. In May 1978 James transferred from Greyhound Los Angeles, California, to Greyhound Albuquerque, New Mexico. After six years of dedicated work with Greyhound, he started working for the City of Albuquerque in 1984 at Sun Tran public transportation. During his 20 years of service, he worked his way up to Maintenance Manager. Due to his expertise in maintenance, he was appointed to trouble shoot the refuge trucks in Solid Waste. After this 3 year project, he was transferred back to Sun Tran to help with the planning of the Daytona Transit station, where he retired in March 2008 after 25 years of service. James was a humanitarian. He was known for his kindness and good heart. He went above and beyond helping his fellow man. James loved his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, uncle, neighbor, and was a mentor to many. He had nieces who he helped raise like his own daughters (Vanessa and Victoria Pearson). He was a father figure to his nieces Robyn McCree and Roxanne Henry and many who grew up in his neighborhood. In addition, he was known as �Pops�, uncle, and brother to many. He loved his hobbies and he rebuilt old cars. He took first place with his 1950 Chevy truck he rebuilt and people�s choice with his 1935 Pontiac he rebuilt. He also loved to travel and spent his free time at his lake home he built in Elephant Butte, New Mexico. James loved the Lord and was baptized under the direction of his late father- in- law Pastor John L. Pearson. To this union was born Chadwick and Heather, and he had a son James Jr. James H. Spratley departed this life on Sunday, March 30, 2014. He was preceded in death by his children: Chadwick, Heather, and James Jr. His siblings: sister Betty Griggs of Los Angeles, California, and his brother John Spratley of Bakersfield, California. He is survived by his wife Carmen, granddaughter Marshai Wright husband Trevor of Colorado Springs, parents: Murielene and Charles Spratley Sr., of Bakersfield California, brother Charles Jr. wife Deborah of Bakersfield, California, brother Aubrey of Bakersfield, California, and sister Sharon Morgan husband Randy of Bakersfield, California. He had a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins from all over. During his short illness, he fought like a true soldier. He never complained. He would say, �I�m trying family.� *His number one caregiver: the love of his life: Carmen**