Jimmy Speigner “Jimbo” of Gulf Breeze, Florida passed away Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023, after a valiant battle with heart disease. Jimmy loved life and believed if you work hard you deserve to play even harder. He was big-hearted and gentle, but still as tough as they come. He lived life with a passion that would have sent a lesser man to his grave decades earlier.
Most people knew him as Jimmy, but he was born James Michael Speigner, the first-born son and the middle child of five children in Montgomery, Alabama to his late parents Jesse James Speigner and Martha Elizabeth (Carr) Speigner on June 30, 1947. Jimmy had so much love and respect for his parents and the sacrifices they made for their children. In addition to his loving parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his youngest brother Stevie Speigner and his brother by marriage “Poppa” Buddy Berry late husband of his sweet sister Diane.
Jimmy had an outgoing personality and natural charisma to make friends no matter the situation. His laugh was infectious to everyone around him. Jimmy never met a stranger. If it was your first time meeting him then buckle up. Before he is done talking, you will have a new friend for life. He had an amazing memory filled with endless stories. One of his favorite sayings was “I may not always have an answer for what to do, but I can sure tell you all the things not to do.” Jimmy’s antics were legendary and everyone who knew him has at least one Jimbo story to tell.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Tammy, who cherishes every second with him. A son, “BJ” Bobby Evers, Jr., and three daughters, Brionnah (Shaun) Williams, Tess (Jay) Howard, and Ali (Chance) Yancey. It would be simple to say Jimmy was a wonderful father, but he was so much more. He was not bound to his children through DNA, Jimmy chose to be their father and although he may not have given them life he never blinked at the responsibilities or sacrifices of being a parent. He was supportive, and generous, and loved them without conditions. His love and influence enriched all their lives more than they can ever possibly know. One of the happiest days of his life was the birth of his granddaughter, Juliana Williams. The first time he saw “Jules”, she swept her “Big Pop” off his feet and wrapped him around her finger. He cherished every second with her. There was no question that she was the queen of his heart.
Jimmy was extremely close to his wonderful family and loved them all dearly. He was blessed with three additional siblings and is survived by his sister Diane Berry, his sister, Dr. Charlotte Stowers and her husband retired Army Capt. Sonny Stowers, his brother, Danny Speigner, and his wife, Debbie Speigner.
Jimmy had 3 nieces and 7 nephews. He was their “Uncle Jimbo” who loved each of them without question. He was proud of all of them and loved them as if they were his own. He is survived by his nieces Meme (Art) Peponis, Beth (Bill) Griffin, and Laura Marie Speigner and his nephews Christopher Stowers, Jamie (Christy) Speigner, Brent (Lindsey) Speigner, Steve (Sara) Speigner, Patrick Speigner, James Speigner and Dylan Gulsby. Beloved by his numerous great-nieces and nephews.
Jimmy was raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and introduced to sports at an early age for which he developed a lifelong passion. Jimmy and his brother Danny participated in football, baseball, and basketball at the local Boy’s Club. He attended high school at Sidney Lanier High School where his senior year he was a state champion wrestler and a member of the 1966 State Championship Football Team. He received a college scholarship to Auburn University where he studied history and played football from 1968 to 1970. He played on the offensive line and was the starting left guard alongside his brother Danny. He participated in bowl games for every year he played. A member of Auburn’s Football Lettermen Club, and a devoted Auburn Tiger he never missed a game. His coaches and teammates were always a huge part of his life and he remained in close contact.
Jimmy was also an avid golfer who loved and respected the sport. He was fortunate to play countless different courses throughout his life and participated in several amateur tournaments. Jimmy was in the commercial construction industry for 50 years. He worked on military, government, coliseum, and stadium projects in the United States and Puerto Rico. Jimmy was a hard worker, and his wealth of knowledge will be missed by those who knew him in the construction industry. He spent his last 25 years living on the coast in the Florida panhandle where he enjoyed going to the beach and the atmosphere of the Gulf Coast.
We invite his friends to join our family to celebrate the amazing life of Jimmy Speigner at noon on April 15, 2023, at Tiger Point Golf Club, 1255 Country Club Rd. in Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. We will gather to remember Jimmy, share our favorite memories of him, and enjoy light refreshments. Please dress casually or in your favorite Auburn orange and blue to honor Jimmy for the love and happiness he brought to our lives. In place of flowers, a donation in Jimmy’s name to Auburn Football Lettermen Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 828, Auburn, AL 36831, or visit Auburn Football Lettermen web page and scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Donate” or to your favorite charity would be appreciated.
Our family would like to thank Jimmy’s friends, his teammate brothers, and families for their countless prayers and loving support. We are so grateful for the compassionate care for Jimmy in his final days from the care teams of Baptist Cardiology, Gulf Breeze Hospital, and Covenant Hospice at Sacred Heart.
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