James “Jimmy” Spencer

Jimmy Spencer, 79, was born in 1945. He was raised by his Aunt Beth Miles who moved him from California to Idaho. His relations in Kooskia, Idaho, were his Aunt Jane & Uncle Chuck Williams, and his Aunt Lot & Uncle Alan Moody. He never stopped loving his parents. His Uncle Tiger Spencer supported him by buying him his first rifle. At age 12, he killed his first elk by shooting it 200 yards away with a 22. He thought Uncle Alan was going to make him walk home due to them hiking up the mountain for the elk. Andy Domebo witnessed this event. He gave his first kill to tribal elders, our traditional tribal way of coming of age. He was given his great grandfather’s, White Bird’s father’s, Indian name Qósalat= (buck goat, white male mountain goat) (mountain goat or mountain ram leader) (one that never goes down into civilization but looks down at it from the mountains) (the head leader of his herd).

After receiving his GED, he entered the Air Force in 1963. He was stationed at Glasgow Mt at 91st bombardment wing. He then deployed to southeast Asia in 1965 entering 405th fighter wing, where their mission was to protect B52s going into North Vietnam and giving support to Marines and the Army stationed in South Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1966.

In 1967, he attended Bacone College in Muscogee, OK. While at Bacone College he met his future wife, Janet Youngman. He then transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Physical Education and his master’s degree in Guidance Counseling. His advisor, Dr. Fount Holland, encouraged him to attend the University of Oklahoma, earning his School Administration certificate.

Jimmy was a long-time counselor at Clearwater Valley Elementary in Kooskia, ID. He drove back and forth every day from Lapwai to Kooskia for 16 years. He quietly and generously bought football cleats, jackets, school supplies, and rented tuxedos for kids in need. For whatever reason they couldn’t afford these items. Jimmy made sure his students had what they needed. He made sure NO child, or student, was going to go without. My father always helped those in need.

He speaks from the experience of a child who grew up with nothing. That served his country, put himself through school. Wise and generous, always giving when he could. Married for 45 years and to give his family absolutely everything.

This speech was given when Jimmy received “Nez Perce Male Elder of the Year” in September 2024. His daughter Wynter added, “I couldn’t think of a more appropriate award. My father is an example of a strong Nimiipuu warrior. He is the ultimate standard to live by. He’s everything I would hope to be. Thank you for this award. You have no idea how much he loves his tribe and fellow veterans. My heart is overwhelmed. Thank you. Thank you.”

Jimmy passed away on January 25, 2024. On January 30, dressing ceremony were held at 1:00 p.m. at Malcom’s Brower-Wann funeral home in Lewiston. On January 31, funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Pi-nee-waus Community Center in Lapwai. Burial will follow at the First Church Cemetery in Kamiah, ID.