Rev. James "Don" Spears was born to the union of the late Louis Spears and the late Eulace (Poole) Spears on January 20, 1950.

Don accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior as a young child at First Corinthians Missionary Baptist Church of Brooklyn, Illinois.

Don was educated in the East St. Louis public schools. He went on the attain his Bachelor's of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy. His career allowed him to travel the world as a traveling respiratory therapist. He later was employed at Barnes Jewish Hospital where he trained hospital staff and continued to help patients.

On May 4, 2002, Don as he is affectionately known, married Gueriece (Edwards) Spears. They would go on to grow together in Christ with Don being called into ministry at John Divine Missionary Baptist Church of East St. Louis. He later became a member at Galilee Central Missionary Baptist Church where he was a "good and faithful servant." While at Galilee he taught Bible study and preached the word on Sundays.

Don enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. He loved to cook and he was good at it. Don also enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and watching wrestling on TV. One of his favorite words was "shoood."

On October 28, 2025, Don was called home to be with the Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings.

He leaves to mourn his brother, Robert Thomas (Uncle Sheen); sister, Janice Miller (Jan); sisters, Sharon Spears, Susie Spears and Josette Spears; brother, Donell Spears and sister, Debra Spears Wilson.

He leaves to cherish his legacy, stepson, Leroy L. Tate Sr. (Jacqueline), step-grandchildren, Leroy L. Tate Jr. and Lathan Tate, a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.