[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 127 (Tuesday, August 4, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                       REMEMBERING JAMES SPENCER

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Madam President, today I rise to honor the 
memory of my friend James Thomas Spencer. Jim, as he was known amongst 
friends, served the great State of Nevada for nearly 35 years. Anyone 
who was lucky enough to encounter Jim would tell you the same thing: 
Jim was a loyal friend and a diligent professional who took 
extraordinary care in everything he did.
  Jim was born on October 23, 1948, in Redlands, CA. Following his 
service in the Army and his legal education, Jim moved to Nevada. In 
1982, Jim began working in the Nevada Attorney General's Office. Jim 
ultimately served under four State attorneys general. Jim's work in the 
office was marked by his extremely capable representation of the 
Governor, other State officials, and different departments and agencies 
of the State. He drafted numerous significant opinions issued by the 
office and rose through the ranks in office, retiring as chief of staff 
to the attorney general.
  During my tenure as Nevada's attorney general, Jim served as my chief 
of staff and as special assistant attorney general. Jim always 
displayed a strong sense of humility about himself and a deep empathy 
for others. These admirable qualities coupled with his commonsense, 
diligent, and straightforward practice of law resulted in Jim being one 
of the most respected lawyers in Nevada. He was a highly rated attorney 
and an expert on all things pertaining to Nevada government and our 
State laws.
  Outside of work, Jim was an avid athlete and outdoorsman. He ran 
marathons and competitively dived. Despite a couple of joint 
replacements, he would often organize adventures with his friends and 
coworkers that involved hikes up Jobs Peak, Mount Rose, and C-Hill in 
Carson City. Even after his retirement in 2014, Jim retained his 
passion for adventure. Jim successfully completed a tandem skydive, did 
gunsmith work for his friends, and was always with his rescue dogs, 
whom he loved dearly.
  Along with his distinguished career and busy personal life, Jim was 
committed to helping everyone around him. Jim would give a stranger the 
shirt off his back. He organized an annual Thanksgiving fundraiser in 
the attorney general's office to donate turkeys to families in need. He 
was a mentor for all who came through his office door and made it a 
point to befriend all the staff members and their families. To brighten 
everyone's day, Jim made it a point to share humorous articles of news 
with his colleagues, a practice he continued into retirement. These 
news breaks were timely, unannounced, and always appreciated.
  On July 21, 2026, Jim passed away at the age of 77 due to esophageal 
cancer. He faced his illness with courage, resilience, and heart. Jim 
is survived by his family members, including David, Karen, and 
Katherine. I know his family will miss him dearly.
  I am deeply grateful for Jim's dedicated service and his years of 
friendship. The loss of Jim is felt by his friends, family, and 
colleagues. Jim leaves behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, 
generosity, professionalism, and loyalty.

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