Obituaries
James K. Sperry, 77
James K. Sperry, 77, of Lancaster, PA and Sanibel, FL died Thursday, January 27, 2011 at his home in Lancaster. He was the former Chairman and CEO of Fulton Bank and Executive Vice President of Fulton Financial Corporation.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Albert, Sr. and Laura McKeith Sperry. He attended and graduated from Pennsylvania State University on a US Air Force ROTC scholarship in 1956, and continued his studies at Rutgers University receiving a master’s degree in banking from the Stonier School of Business. Jim was married to his wife Joan B. Perry Sperry for 54 years last August 25th.
Very active in the community, Jim served on the boards of directors for Fulton Financial Corporation, the former St. Joseph Hospital, Penn State Harrisburg, the Lancaster Private Industry Council, Sex Assault Center, the YMCA and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was a past president of the Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority, chairman of the Lancaster City Housing Authority and treasurer of the United Way. Jim was a former member of the Lancaster Country Club, the Hamilton Club, the Rotary Club, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster. Since retiring from Fulton Bank in 1998, Jim, along with Joan and dog Ozzie resided in both Rehoboth Beach, DE and Sanibel Island, Florida where he volunteered at the local public libraries. He enjoyed fishing, boating, reading, listening to his music, and was an avid Philadelphia and Penn State sports fan.
In addition to his wife Joan, Jim is survived by three children, James K., Jr., husband of Nancy Sperry, Hanover, PA, Robert P., husband of Eileen Sperry, Lancaster and Jennifer A., wife of Robert Esbenshade, Lancaster; four grandchildren, James K. Sperry, III, New York City and Lynn Sperry, Robert P. Sperry, Jr. and Johanna Sperry, all Lancaster; great-grandson Cael Sperry, Lancaster and two brothers, Max, husband of Alberta Sperry, Ottsville, PA and David Sperry, Philadelphia. Jim’s brother William Albert Sperry, Jr., preceded him in death.
The Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 11 AM, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster, 538 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA, with the Rev. Jo-an Glasse officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 AM. Private Interment at the convenience of the family. Please omit flowers. Contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, PO Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-393-9661
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Condolences to the Family
November 10, 2023
God bless the sperry family. toni martin
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and husband. The Sperry family will be included in our family’s prayers.
Colleen Johnson Wurden
Kegel’s Produce would like to offer Jennifer and family our deepest sympathy for the passing of her father James Sperry. We hope you are comforted by your family and friends during this time of sorrow and need. Many regrets for your recent loss!!!
You are in our thoughts a prayers for the loss of you husband and father. –
Matt & Joan Enoch
Bill and I extend our sincere condolences to you Joan and Jim, Rob, and Jennifer. Jim will always be remembered as a kind and gentle spirit, and for that great smile. He will be missed. May he rest in peace!
Vicky
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Sperry Family.
The Stitzel Family
My sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to all members of Jim’s family.
Jim was kind enough to help me with some clients in the Rehoboth Beach area and helped me to develop a wonderful relationship with them. I always think of his kindness and unassuming manner when dealing with both clients and employees. I am sure he will be missed more than words can possibly say, but hopefully you will find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched in such a positive way.
Adrianne Moore
Fulton Bank
My condolences to the Sperry family. My attendance at Penn State several decades ago geve me the fleeting acquaintance with two people who married following their years at PSU. The connection had a long gap, but a brief visit to the Sperry’s at their beach house in Avalon, brought some memories to the forefront. Jim made a good life for the Sperry family through his efforts and talents. I know he will be missed.
Dear Joan, Jim, Rob & Jennifer,
You’ve all extended the joy of Jim’s life by being with him to share every step he endured during his illness. May you be comforted by the many good memories you’ve had together over the years, and garner strength from the love and care of those about you.
Please know that you are each very much in my thoughts.
Fondly,
Sue (Breneman) Tobie
To Joan and family, Ross and I want to extend our condolences to you and your family. My fondest memory of Jim is our white water rafting trip when we were out at Neiman Colon for a retreat with Fulton Bank. Jim will be missed.
Fondly,
Debbi and Ross Chrisman
My sincere sympathies to all of the Sperry family. I am sad to hear of Mr. Sperry’s passing. I will always remember him as a smiling and sweet man- who was very kind to me and my family. The Sperry family has a loving place in the hearts of the Wash family. I wish you all peace, love and happiness.
With loving memories- Patty Wash
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim Sperry. He will be missed by so many. I offer my deepest sympathies to Joan and the entire Sperry family.
Jim always knew how to get the best from anyone around him – and those that were lucky enough to know him always wanted to do their best for him.
He was masterful at so many things – the lessons he taught and compassion he showed will not be forgotten.
