TIFTON — James Edward Spires, 86, of Tifton, died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at Tift Regional Medical Center. Private services will be held at a later date.

Mr. Spires was born May 14, 1923, in Telfair County. He was preceded in death by his father, Council Spires; his wife, Minnie Maxwell Cadwell; one daughter; one brother; two sisters; and one grandchild.

Mr. Spires was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and was a shipyard worker and mechanic. He loved to be around people and to fish and hunt. Mr. Spires loved Andy Griffith, Seinfeld, Bonanza and Sanford and Son, and he kept up with the news and the weather. He also loved his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren. Mr. Spires was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Spires is survived by five sons and four daughters-in-law, James Darvin and Erniemae Spires of Enigma, Gerald and Janet Spires, Roger Spires, Bobby and Lynn Spires and Tony and Christy Spires, all of Tifton; one daughter, Lavonda Goff of Monticello, Ky.; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

You may sign the guest registry at www.albritton-beaumontfuneralhome.com. Albritton-Beaumont Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.