Francis ( Jody Spillman Jr

Francis Joseph Spillman Jr. (Jody) was born on June 14, 1963 in Dallas, Texas, son of Francis Joseph and Norma Jean (Halsey) Spillman Sr. He passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016 in his sleep at home of a suspected heart attack at the age of 53 following a long battle with a severe back injury and the complications that followed.

On August, 28, 1992, he was united in marriage to Lisa Kay Proctor in Viti Levu, Fiji.

Jody was born and raised in the Dallas area and had many dear friends over his lifetime. After graduating from Plano Senior High, he attended University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin and Stephen F. Austin State University. He enjoyed swimming, cooking, movies, birding, collecting coins, astronomy, and, most of all, he adored his two beautiful sons. Jody owned several businesses during his lifetime, including IMC Vending and Patrick Alarm Services. He was a generous and loving friend and was always willing to help those in need.

From early childhood, Jody consistently demonstrated compassion, generosity and a desire for self-improvement and self-sacrifice. In spite of immense obstacles, he was determined to graduate from high school. He was the only child in his family to do so. His maternal grandmother, Emmaline May Bassford, had a tremendous influence on his life and the formation of his character. Grandma Mikey was the wife of C. Ellis Bassford. She helped Ellis run a large wheat farm in Anthony, Kansas. Jody spent every summer of his childhood on the farm in Kansas helping, playing and spending time with Mikey. He loved bringing Lisa and the boys to visit until Grandma Mikey's passing in 2008.

As a life-long resident of the Dallas area, Jody had many dear friends with whom he remained close over the years. Fond memories of his days growing up in Oak Cliff and his adolescence in North Dallas continued to bring him smiles and laughter, even on his final day with us. The Mauzy family played a significant role in his life. Aglaia became another mother to him, always holding a dear place in his heart and Charlie and James were like brothers to him. His deep friendships with Jeff Gullo, Bob Stacy, Stanley Hailey, the Johnsons, and too many others to name added a richness to his life he dearly cherished. The stories they share have helped Jody's children come to more fully understand the joyful, energetic and, at times, impish man his father was before his injury.

Jody's back injury caused him great pain, which intensified in his final years. In spite of his condition, he would find daily ways to demonstrate his deep love for his family and friends and contribute in whatever way he could.

Jody was preceded in death by brothers Timothy and Christopher Spillman and sister Missy Spillman.

Jody will be deeply missed by his beloved Lisa and sons Michael Patrick and James Alexander; his parents, Francis Joseph Spillman Sr. of Irving, Texas and Norma Jean Spillman of Kihei, Maui; sisters Summer Spillman and Tammy Hulett; stepbrother Ron Gentry; nieces, including Tina, Lacy and Crystal; nephews, including Jesse, Billy and Corey; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

A Mass in joyful remembrance for Jody will be celebrated on Saturday, October 1 at 1 p.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 2700 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75023. Reception to immediately follow.

A special fund has been established to assist the family with education expenses for the boys. To learn more click here or go to www.YouCaring.com/SpillmanBoysCollegeFund. Charitable donations may be directed to Catholic Charities of Dallas in honor of Jody.

The family is most grateful for everyone's support and prayers during this extremely difficult time.