Urban James (Jim) Speth was born January 17, 1942 in Batesville, IN the son of the late Urban John and Clara Louise Merchen Speth.
He was united in marriage to Betty Jane Burden on October 9, 1971. B. J. preceded him in death on December 28, 1999, following 28 years of marriage.
Jim graduated from Saint Bernard College in Cullman, AL with a bachelor's degree in accounting, and was the owner and operator of Jim's Best Stop in Selmer. He formerly managed Morrison's Cafeterias in Alabama and Tennessee and worked for Dobb's House, managing the food services for the Memphis International Airport. He also operated Jon's Pier and the Pickwick Plantation Bed & Breakfast for several years. Jim served his country in the United States Marine Corps, being stationed in Okinawa. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed boating in his free time.
Jim departed this life on December 29, 2019 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 77 Years, 11 Months, 12 Days. He is survived by two sons, James Thomas Speth and wife Melissa of Denver, CO and Michael Jason Speth and wife Shannon of Selmer, TN; four grandchildren: Austin Allen McCarter, Michael Ryan Speth, Hayden Carter Speth, and Bryson James Speth; a sister, Sue Giebel of Albuquerque, NM; a niece, Carrie O'Loughlin and husband Leo of San Diego, CA; and two nephews, Chad Giebel and wife Ann of Bernardsville, NJ and Ryan Giebel and wife Sunaina of Denver, CO.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.