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James George Spirup of Sequim, Washington, passed away at home on Saturday, July 24, 2004. The oldest son of Peter Michael Spirup and Lona Marie Rasmussen Spirup, he was born at St. Paul, Oregon, on July 9, 1922. He received his early education at St. Paul, OR, graduating from high school in 1938. He graduated from Pacific College of Newberg, OR in 1942 with a Bachelor's Degree in History. He pursued graduate study in History at the University of California in Berkeley. He was employed by Sandia Laboratories of Livermore, CA and later Albuquerque, NM for thirty-five years. Upon his retirement from Albuquerque in 1992, he and his wife moved to Sequim, WA. On June 22, 1945, he married his college sweetheart, Betty Ann Craven. They were married for fifty-nine years. Their children include Patricia Carol Terry of Marysville, WA, JoAnn Luckemeyer of Reno, NV, Virginia Charline Leoppard of Truckee, CA and James Michael Spirup of Abingdon, VA. Proud of his Danish heritage, Mr. Spirup's grandparents immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. His grandfather, Peter Rasmussen, graduated from seminary in Iowa. Reverend Rasmussen pastored churches in Iowa, California and Portland, OR, where he eventually retired. Mr. Spirup was born at their home in St. Paul, OR. A veteran of World War II, he faithfully served his country as a Naval pilot in Germany. A sincere love of the Lord Jesus Christ pervaded his life. He was active in Bible Study Fellowship International, serving as a discussion leader for several years. He was the Christian Education Elder at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, where his family worshipped during their years in CA. He was active in Gideons International, working through the local organization. A faithful member of Sequim Presbyterian Church, he lead small discussion groups though the Alpha Program. He was also a leader of the Small Groups Ministry. Mr. Spirup is survived by his wife, Betty; three daughters, Patricia, JoAnn and Virginia; and his son, Jim. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Eric Metz, Jennifer Harrington, Megan Oelhert, Joel Luckenmeyer and Helen Spirup, Caitie Jo Terry, Raven Elizabeth Avery; and three great-grandchildren, Sarah, Joshua, and Hanna Harrington. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Spirup, of Salem, OR. A Memorial service will be held at Sequim Presbyterian Church on Friday, July 30, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are welcome to say good bye to Jim at Drenan and Ford Funeral Home of Port Angeles on Thursday, July 29, 2004 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. All memorial contributions in Jim's name should be made to Gideons International. Please contact Mr. Leo Beers of Sequim, at (360) 628-2082 for details or questions.
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