Delta Roofing founder dies at 85

Courtesy Meadors Funeral Home

Jim Spears started Delta Roofing in 1970.

The founder of Brookline-based Delta Roofing Inc. has died after starting the business more than five decades ago.

Jim Spears, 85, died April 10, according to his obituary posted to the website of Meadors Funeral Home. A cause of death was not disclosed.

Spears founded Delta Roofing in 1970, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. The commercial and industrial roofing company's website lists municipal work and the Mission University Fieldhouse in north Springfield among its project portfolio.

Spears began to hand over the reins of Delta Roofing to his son, Jimmy, around 2005, according to SBJ archives.

Jimmy Spears will continue to manage and operate the company following his father's death, according to a statement he provided to SBJ this morning.

"Jim Spears was a great leader, mentor and friend to many people over the years," the statement reads. "His heart was as big as the world when someone was in need, and so often he didn’t tell a soul and kept it completely anonymous when he helped.

"There will be a void in the Delta Roofing family that will never be replaced."