James Earl Sprague Jr.
PORT HENRY, N.Y. — James Earl Sprague Jr., 77, died at his home in Port Henry, N.Y., on Jan. 4, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children, his wife, Lucille Sprague, and his dog Peanut.
He was born April 22, 1930, in Spencertown, N.Y., the son of James and Beatrice (Stanton) Sprague Sr.
He worked at Nu Way laundry for his father-in-law for several years. He also worked in the mines in Canton, N.Y. After working for 36 and a half years at International Paper’s Ticonderoga Mill, he retired in 1992. With the help of his wife Lucille and 11 children, he owned and operated Sprague’s Woodcraft Shop in Port Henry. A skilled carpenter, his family said he built the first Champ, the Lake Champlain sea monster.
Friends said he enjoyed being with his family, working in his shop and sitting next to his wood stove in his rocking chair. He loved to visit with anyone who stopped by, he had a story for everyone. He also loved sitting in the kitchen or in the garage watching traffic and the birds at his feeders.
During his illness he called his daughter Stacy “Doc Adams” in jest because of the way she cared for him.
