LAUREL - James Dyson "Jim" Spicer, age 78, of Laurel, passed away peacefully with his sons at his side on March 22, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, after a prolonged illness. He was a son of Elmer J. and Lottie H. Spicer of Laurel, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Jefferson Kenney Spicer. Jim graduated from Laurel High School in 1951 and was a three-time All-State Football Honors recipient. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years in Pensacola, Fla. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Laurel and worked at All-American Engineering as a machinist. In 1958, he began his service to the State of Delaware by joining the Delaware State Police, where he served until 1978, attaining the rank of Staff Captain. After retirement in 1978, he became a small business owner when he opened The Hunter's Shack in Delmar. As an avid hunter and gun collector, Jim enjoyed his years involved in this business venture, until he closed the store in the late 1990's. Jim loved to hunt, collecting guns, his family, and spending time with his friends at the flea market and the Railroad Café. He was a loving grandfather who always attended any events in which his grandchildren participated, and would give a listening ear to their needs. He usually had a story to tell about Laurel or his many memorable years as a police officer when among friends and family. Jim loved dogs and always had a four-legged friend at his feet, throughout his life. He received great joy from their devotion to him. He attended St. Philip's Episcopal Church for over 45 years. He was a member of Hope Lodge #4 for more then 40 years, a member of Nanticoke Sportsman Club for over 25 years, and a founding member of the Swamp Creek Muzzleloaders Shooting Club. Mr. Spicer is survived by his wife, Doris Coffin Spicer, his loving spouse of 59 years; two sons, James B. "Brad" Spicer and wife Joy, and Kenneth "Ken" B. Spicer and wife Matia; six adoring grandchildren, Blair, Jordan, Summer, Sierra, Kody and Rebecca. He is also survived by two brothers, Warren Spicer and wife Jeanette of Mobile, Ala., and Clark Spicer and wife Tini, of Laurel. A Funeral Service at St. Philips Episcopal Church, 600 S. Central Ave., Laurel, DE 19956 will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 11 a.m., where he will receive full State Police Honors. A viewing will be held Friday evening at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Howard Backus will officiate. Online condolences can be made to the Spicer family by visiting, www.hsdfuneralhome.com.