James Sperry

James K. Sperry, 77, of Lancaster, Pa. and Sanibel died on January 27, 2011 at his home in Lancaster. He was the former Chairman and CEO of Fulton Bank and Executive Vice President of Fulton Financial Corporation.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Albert, Sr. and Laura McKeith Sperry. He attended and graduated from Pennsylvania State University on a US Air Force ROTC scholarship in 1956, and continued his studies at Rutgers University receiving a master’s degree in banking from the Stonier School of Business. Jim was married to his wife, Joan B. Perry Sperry, for 54 years last Aug. 25.

Very active in the community, Jim served on the boards of directors for Fulton Financial Corporation, the former St. Joseph Hospital, Penn State Harrisburg, the Lancaster Private Industry Council, Sex Assault Center, the YMCA and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was a past president of the Lancaster Downtown Investment District Authority, chairman of the Lancaster City Housing Authority and treasurer of the United Way.

In addition, Jim was a former member of the Lancaster Country Club, the Hamilton Club, the Rotary Club, and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lancaster. Since retiring from Fulton Bank in 1998, Jim, along with Joan and dog Ozzie resided in both Rehoboth Beach, DE and Sanibel Island, Florida where he volunteered at the local public libraries. He enjoyed fishing, boating, reading, listening to his music, and was an avid Philadelphia and Penn State sports fan.

In addition to his wife Joan, Jim is survived by three children, James K., Jr., husband of Nancy Sperry, Hanover, Pa., Robert P., husband of Eileen Sperry, Lancaster and Jennifer A., wife of Robert Esbenshade, Lancaster; four grandchildren, James K. Sperry, III, New York City and Lynn Sperry, Robert P. Sperry, Jr. and Johanna Sperry, all Lancaster; great-grandson Cael Sperry, Lancaster and two brothers, Max, husband of Alberta Sperry, Ottsville, Pa. and David Sperry, Philadelphia. Jim’s brother William Albert Sperry, Jr., preceded him in death.

A Memorial Service was held in Lancaster, Pa. Contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163 or Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. To send the family online condolences, please visit www.SnyderFuneralHome.com.