Spiro

James Robert Agnew

Jim “Spiro” Agnew, 70, of rural Randolph died peacefully, surrounded by family on July 16, 2024, at The Meadows of Fall River after a long battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Spiro was born on August 4, 1953, in Beaver Dam to David and Kathryn (Yasger) Agnew and was raised on his family dairy farm in rural Randolph. Spiro lost his beloved sister, Barb, with whom he shared a very special bond, when he was 16 to a tragic car accident, and the loss shaped the rest of his life. Spiro graduated from Cambria-Friesland High School in 1971. He attended MATC for auto mechanics and graduated first in his class in 1975. Spiro went on to use his mechanic skills by running a Union 76 Station in Cambria.

Spiro was always a free spirit who loved riding motorcycles. When he was 20, Spiro went on a solo trip out west with nothing but his bike, a tent, and charisma. During this trip, Spiro was taken in by strangers who turned into life-long friends and even worked for Evel Knievel for his Snake River Canyon Jump in Idaho.

Spiro’s love for traveling carried on for the rest of his life. Spiro went on countless cross-country road trips with his family visiting national parks and landmarks. Spiro also traveled to Sturgis, South Dakota over 30 times for the annual motorcycle rally, both alone and accompanied by friends and family.

On June 24, 1978, Spiro married Patti Ludington. They had two sons, Aaron Robert and Abraham David. Spiro returned to the family dairy farm to help his dad.

On June 15, 1996, Spiro married Peggy Braaksma. They had a son, Paden James, and a daughter, Delaney Barbara. Spiro quit farming in 1998, thereafter working as a semi-truck driver at Madison Crushing, Windsor Homes, Parisi, and Reynolds Transfer and Storage.

Spiro will be remembered for his great character and kind heart that led him to be loved by many. Spiro was the most gregarious and funny man; he could talk to anyone about everything, and make them laugh at the same time. Spiro could fix anything and had an incredible work ethic. Spiro was extremely generous and always willing to help anyone in need, from strangers to family. Spiro was a family man through and through and loved his wife and kids more than anything.

Spiro will be sadly missed by his wife, Peggy, children, Aaron (Ellen), Abe (Amber), Paden, and Delaney; grandchildren, Lydia, Heidi, Dexter, Bo, Blake, David, and Charlie; great-grandson, Finn; best friend/brother, Bob (Ruth); siblings, Joan, Jane, Dan, Paul, Charlie (Terry), Ruthie, Anne (John), Greg, Andrew, Peter, and Stacey. Spiro was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Barbara and Laura, and two brothers, Joseph and Anthony.

Spiro’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for all of the kindness and support given by niece Lorelei Cavazos, both personally and in her role as nurse at The Meadows. We also want to thank Dr. David Daiga and Dr. Stuart Turner for their years of care; the entire staff at the Meadows for their compassionate care that made Spiro’s final months comfortable and dignified; and Jodi and Shelby of Generations Hospice for their loving care.

A funeral service will be held on Spiro’s birthday, Sunday, August 4th, at 3:00 PM at the Cambria Fire Station/Community Center, 702 Elizabeth Street/Highway 146, Cambria, with Pastor Bob Moberg officiating. A catered meal and a celebration of life will follow and the family asks that you please stay for dinner and the sharing of stories over beer. There will be no visitation. Casual attire is encouraged, specifically your best Harley-Davidson shirts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lewy Body Dementia Association: https://www.lbda.org/donate/.