S. James Spitz, Jr.

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Celebrating the life of
S.  James Spitz, Jr.November 17, 1921 - April 30, 2012

SAVANNAH, GA - S. James Spitz, Jr. died on Monday, April 30, at this home.

He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 17, 1921, the son of Seymour James Spitz and Marie Spinette Spitz, and was reared in Westchester County, north of New York City. He attended local schools until the age of 15, was graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts in 1939, and from Massachusetts Institute of Technology M.I.T., Cambridge, Mass. in 1943 with a degree in chemical engineering and business administration. While at M.I.T. he was a varsity oarsman on the university's 8-oared crew.

During World War II he served as a naval officer in the Asiatic-Pacific theatre of operations including service at Guadalcanal and Okinawa, subsequently being assigned at the end of the war to the Research and Development Section of the Bureau of Ordnance of the Navy Department in Washington, D.C.

He joined Newport Industries, Inc., Pensacola, Florida, in 1946 as a chemical engineer and held a series of positions until being elected in 1961 as President of what was by then the Newport Division of Heyden Newport Chemical Corporation.

In 1948 he married Elizabeth Taylor Parks of Pensacola and they had three children. The marriage ended in 1divorce.

During his years of residence in Pensacola he was active in board and leadership positions in numerous civic, business, and social organizations, including the Greater Pensacola Community Chest, Pensacola United Fund, Pensacola Art Center, Baptist Hospital Advisory Board, Florida National Bank, Associated Industries of Florida, Pensacola Country Club, and Pensacola Yacht Club.

In 1967, by then a resident of New York City, he was named President of Tenneco Chemicals, Inc., the successor company to Heyden Newport and Senior Vice President of the parent company, Tenneco, Inc. Houston, Texas.

In 1969 he married Ellen Catherine Flynn of New York and they had one daughter.

In 1970 Mr. Spitz joined International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. IFF of New York as President of that company, the position he held until his retirement in 1985. In addition to corporate directorships with IFF and its foreign affiliates, he was a director of Foster Wheeler Corporation and Carpenter Technology Corporation. He was a member of The University Club of New York, the Chemists Club of New York, the Economic Club of New York, the Larchmont NY Yacht Club and the Westside Tennis Club Forest Hills, NY. He was a trustee of The Spence School New York and a member of the M.I.T. Corporate Development Committee.

In 1988 the family purchased a home at The Landings in Savannah, Georgia and became Georgia citizens in 1991. Mr. Spitz became a director of The Savannah Symphony and a trustee of the Telfair Museum of Art, Savannah. At the time of his death he was a member of The Oglethorpe Club, The Landings Club both of Savannah, The University Club of New York, the Larchmont Yacht Club and a past member of The Chatham Club Savannah. He was for many years an active racing sailor and tennis player.

Mr. Spitz is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen; his son William Taylor Spitz and his wife Sandra Priddle Spitz of Nashville, Tennessee; daughters Elizabeth Spitz Morgan and her husband James Alfred Morgan III of Lovettsville, Virginia, Anne Spitz Brown of Wilmette, Illinois, and Ellen Christina Spitz of Savannah; and grand-daughters Kelsy Anne Brown, Mary Caitlin Avery Morgan, Lauren Meredith Spitz, Katherine Leigh Spitz and Mary Caroline Spitz.

There will be a reception for family and friends at The Oglethorpe Club, 450 Bull St., Tuesday, May 8, 3-6 p.m.

Remembrances may be sent to The Union Mission, 120 Fahm Street, Savannah or The Telfair Museum of Art, 121 Barnard Street, Savannah.

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Dearest Ellen--We just learned of Jim's death and inquired from friends at the Landings. I am so sorry to hear that he was so sick and I will keep him--and you in my prayers. When I return to Savannah, we will get together and in the meantime, hope you heal and stay strong. Hugs, Kay

- Kay Hering, Groton, CT

Jim was an extraordinary human being. Great intellect combined with wide knowledge. Just being in his presence was uplifting. Our deepest sympathies to Ellen and his entire family. Lew & Mary

- Lewis & Mary Perelman, , GA

Aunt Ellen, Our love and prayers are with you, Tinker and all of Uncle Jim's family. He was a wonderful man and I'll always remember your fun family parties in NYC. He will always be remembered with a smile. Love you, Karen, Jeff, Jamie, Kyle & T.J.

- Karen & Jeff Garrison, Chester, NJ

Dear Ellen, I send my deepest condolences to you,Christina,Bill,Betsy and Annie. Jim is now at rest and in a much better place. You are all in my prayers. Ellen now all you have to think about are the good times spent with Jim. Love to all and God Bless, Love Josephine

- josephine t. flynn, st.augustine,, FL

We were deeply grieved to hear about Jim. Our prayers and sympathies to Ellen and Tinker.

- tom and ann manchester, savannah, GA

We are praying for you and your family. Mr. Spitz was such a wonderful neighbor. We are always here for you & so thankful to have you right next door. Love, Brian, Jennifer, Will, Matthew, Jack, and Mary Blake

- Brian and Jennifer Mims, Savannah, GA

Ellen and family, My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I will be checking in to see what I can do. Hugs....Kay

- Kay Halligan, Savannah, GA