James G. Speer, Jr.

James Grey Speer, Jr., "Jim" died peacefully on March 30, 2025. He was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, on August 17, 1942, to American parents working abroad. Jim spent most of his childhood in Argentina, outside of Buenos Aires. Early on, he developed a love for fast cars, big dogs, spicy food, exercise and cigarettes. He kicked the last habit as he got older, but never let go of the others. At 15, Jim moved with his family to Hinsdale, IL, and encountered English-only, co-ed education for the first time. He adapted well and became a competitive wrestler. He attended University of Wisconsin (Sigma Chi) and then University of Nebraska, Omaha, for his law degree. Jim practiced law for decades, working on several high-profile cases and remaining active in the profession until 2020. He loved the challenge of the law and appreciated his clients and their cases. In 1969, he married Anna Lee Lomnes. Together they raised two daughters, Sarah and Christina. Jim became a serious racquetball player, achieving accolades in the sport. His enthusiasm for fast cars only grew with age—he was a proud and active participant in VARA and the Copperstate 1000. He believed cars were meant to be driven, not just admired, and he made sure his were no "garage queens."

Jim was a force to be reckoned with, known for his sharp intellect, dry wit, and devotion to his friends and family. He will be deeply missed by his many friends, and especially by his daughters. Jim is survived by his brother, John Speer (Anne) in Calgary, his daughters Sarah Speer (Bryan) and Christy Curran (Bill), and their children, Ava, MacArthur, and Boden Pangborn and Dean and Harley Curran. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Barli, who has moved to Los Angeles with Christy and her family. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Grey Speer, Sr, Florence Falk Speer, his sister, Anne Speer Knapp, and his son-in-law, Reed Pangborn. 

Per his wishes, no formal services will be held. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to honor his memory by working out, eating spicy food, and driving a little fast now and then—safely, of course—and preferably in a manual transmission.