Mr. James Dennis "Bear" Spanks, 55, of Haverhill, Massachusetts, formerly of North Andover, Massachusetts passed away on Monday, January 24th, 2011 peacefully at his home.
He was born on October 15th, 1955 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Mr. Spanks was educated in the North Andover Schools and later served for the United States Marines. He was a former bus driver for the North Andover School System and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus of North Andover, MA. Mr. Spanks was a big sponsor to the Alcoholics Animus Organization with 18 years of being sober. He helped support others in their endeavors of becoming sober. He loved to fish, he was a great target shooter and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed his motorcycle, his family and especially his grandchildren. According to his family he had a famous quote; "If you're gonna be a bear, be a Grizzly" "Ggrrrrrr.........."
Son of the late: Marilyn B. (Poole) Spanks who passed in 1986.
His family members include
His father: James H. Spanks of North Andover, MA
His daughter: Jennifer M. Castiglione and her husband Anthony of Salem, NH
His sons: Jeremiah J. Spanks of North Andover, MA.
Kristopher J. Spanks of Amesbury, MA
Jonathan D. Spanks of Plaistow, NH
His sister: Mary Jo Fram and her husband Thomas Fram of Merrimack, MA
His brother: Christopher Spanks and his wife Gail Delucia of Methuen, MA.
His Grandchildren: Benicio, Gabriel, Tabytha, Isaiah, and his future granddaughter Harlow.
As well as several nieces and nephews.
Mother of his children: Maria R. Montes of North Andover, MA.
His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 at 12:00 Noon in Good Shepard United Methodist Church, 471 Main Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts.
Burial will be private.
Relatives and friends may call on Friday, January 28th, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, MA. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Good Shepard United Methodist Church, 471 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830-3218.