James H. Spreen, age 74, of Huntington, IN, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his residence.
Jim was born in 1949, in Fort Wayne, IN, to the late Harold and Vera (Diehm) Spreen. He married Barbara Monfett 43 years ago in Kingston, NY, and she survives.
Jim received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering, with High Honors, from Case Institute of Technology, Cleveland, OH. He also received a degree of Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, a degree of Electrical Engineer, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Electrical Engineering, all from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA. During his engineering career, Jim held various engineering positions at AT&T Bell Labs in New Jersey, IBM in New York, and Magnetek and Franklin Electric in Indiana. In addition, Dr. Spreen served as a tenured member of the engineering faculty at Indiana Institute of Technology, Fort Wayne, IN.
Jim was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Electrochemical Society (ECS), and the Association for Engineering Education (ASEE). He was particularly active in the technical publications aspect of the IEEE, not only as an author and presenter, but serving as a volunteer peer reviewer for various IEEE conferences and publications.
He was a member of the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Huntington. Jim was an avid reader. He also enjoyed hiking, outdoor photography, and traditional archery.
Along with his wife, Barbara, he is survived by two sons, Frederick Spreen, Fort Wayne, IN, William Spreen, Prescott, AZ; one sister, Joan (David) Kendall, Huntington, IN.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 648 N. LaFontaine Street, Huntington, Indiana 46750.
A Funeral Service will follow at 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Rev. Tim Lorenz officiating.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Concordia Gardens, 5365 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Huntington, IN in care of McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson Street, Huntington, IN, 46750.
McElhaney Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington, IN, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences to www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com
