James R. Speller

Celebration for the Life of a Champion Mr. James R. Speller “BaBee” of the 1500 block of Crystal Lake. Died on October 20,2022 from a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Deborah Foreman Speller. Predeceased his wife, Audrey Pugh Speller of 50 years and son, James Speller Jr., parents, Leroy Speller and Ella Clark Speller, brother, Henry Herman Speller. James was born in Bertie County, Windsor, N.C. to the late Leroy and Ella Speller and joined Saint Paul Church at an early age in Windsor NC. He leaves behind father-in-law, Donald Williams (Mary), mother-in-law, Barbara Partee, two daughters, Jeanie Williams (Russell) and Daphne Speller, one son, Calvin Bond; stepdaughters, Deidra Foreman Lockhart, MD, (Christopher) and Phylicia Foreman Rich (Errol) Jr. and one brother, Leroy Speller (Sarah) three sisters, Ella Mae Carthon (Walter) Louise Speller and Emma Mae Leary, grandchildren, Ta'ja, Jaime. Marcus Jamie, Jayden, Makayla, Rarshi, Akiya, Taveon, T’Coryous, Christopher, and Soriah Great Grand, Jayden, Rashi, Jr., Olivier Makayla, and Jaida, Meilani and a host of relatives and friends. James graduated from Etheridge High School in Windsor, North Carolina and took courses at a community college in Bronx, New York. James enlisted and served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Suffolk County, New York. He was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War and assigned to Operation Pierce Arrow out of Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand. He earned an honorable discharge. While living in Bronx, New York, he enjoyed coordinating Etheridge High School reunion events with several classmates and raising funds for scholarships for graduating high school students. His dream job and side hustle were to be a successful event promoter and came very close to managing a concert featuring a famous R& B singer in South Africa, but red tape and racism prevented him from being approved to have the event. Meanwhile, he loved going to listen to live jazz clubs in Harlem, New York with relatives and friends. James developed a passion for running half marathon while in the military and kept running at events such as Marine Corp, half marathons in New York and the Rock and Roll half marathon held in Virginia Beach. He loved going to the Portsmouth City’s YMCA for daily work outs and to chat with his work out buddies. Many of the residents that lived in the Crystal Lake Community remember James as a runner and during his Golden years taking daily walks around the lake. James retired as a Court Officer from the 12th Judicial District Bronx Supreme Court in 1995 at age 53 after serving for 25 years. He enjoyed sharing his experience of meeting Judge Judy Sheindlin and Judge Jerry Sheindlin, her husband while working for Bronx Supreme Court before they became famous on television. His job performance as court officer was exemplary. Prior to landing his dream job with the court, James worked in an Aluminum plant with other relatives in Mahwah, New Jersey, served as a correctional officer, Narcotic Rehabilitation Counselor with Rockefeller Program, postal clerk in Manhattan, New York. After retirement James and his late wife, Audrey moved from the Bronx, New York to live in his dream home and to be closer to relatives in Portsmouth and North Carolina. James was an active resident of his community’s association and civic engagement. His favorite and most valued volunteer experience was working on President Barack Obama’s Presidential Campaign and standing directly behind him on stage and meeting the Late Honorable John Lewis.

James R. Speller

April 5, 1943 - October 20, 2022