James Speiker was a decorated Vietnam veteran, Army Reserves officer and business owner who promoted his hometown of Prior Lake every chance he got.
Speiker, who supported programs for children and schools as a founding member of the local Optimist Club, died of a heart attack in Prior Lake on Dec. 14. He was 62.
His daughter Sara of Prior Lake said it seemed that he knew everyone in town.
"He loved this place, and it was contagious," she said.
After graduating from Prior Lake High School in 1964, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from St. Cloud State University while also attending St. John's University in Collegeville to serve in its ROTC program.
In Vietnam, he led a special cavalry unit supporting the 101st Airborne, performing aerial and ground reconnaissance. He wore the coveted Combat Infantryman's Badge and was awarded a Purple Heart.
His unit was often inserted directly into known the enemies' locations to determine their strength by capturing enemy soldiers, equipment and documents, said his commanding officer in Vietnam, retired Army Lt. Col. Blair Craig of St. Augustine, Fla.
On one mission, he seriously injured his back while rappelling from a helicopter through a jungle canopy, ending his combat duty.
"Jim was a great platoon leader and took care of his people," Craig said.
When Speiker returned to the Twin Cities, he studied accounting at the University of Minnesota, eventually opening a tax preparation firm and an independent insurance agency in Prior Lake.
He served in the Army Reserves for nearly three decades, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. He twice served as commander of the Prior Lake VFW.
Recently, he created a Prior Lake newsletter that he sent to Prior Lake area residents who serve in the military.
Don Kes of Prior Lake, who works at Speiker and Company Ltd., called him a "kind and generous boss" who constantly boosted his hometown.
His firm's float could be seen in Prior Lake's Lakefront Days and Downtown Dazzle parades.
"Every place you would go, he would start the Prior Lake High School song," said Kes. "To me, he was Mr. Prior Lake."
Kes recalled Speiker's booming voice when he caught a big fish or gave a speech. "He lived for the town," Kes said.
He was an active member of the Catholic Church of St. Michael in Prior Lake and in the Knights of Columbus in Savage.
In addition to Sara, he is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; daughters Maria Belden and Adriana Speiker; son James; mother Leona , all of Prior Lake; brothers Anthony of Minneapolis and Edward of Apple Valley, and one grandson.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Catholic Church of St. Michael, 16311 Duluth Av. SE., Prior Lake.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. in the church.
