James H. Spence, Founder,
CEO, Living Historian and Businessman
James H. Spence, Founder,
CEO, "Jim" started his career at the age of 14
as a musician. By eighteen, he was playing professionally. He joined the
Navy’s music program and, after 11 years, left to become a Freelance Engineer
/ Producer in both audio and video. From 1965 through 1981 Jim produced and
engineered some of the countries best known entertainers. Jim has recorded
symphony orchestras, rock and gospel groups, commercials and television
specials. He designed and helped build four recording studios. By 40, he became
“too old” for the recording business. So, while working as an electrician
for the railroad, he went to college, earning a four-year business degree in
just 3 ½ years. Jim has more than 17 years of accounting, administrative, and
banking experience.
In 1986, still wanting to perform for people, Jim honed his skills in
motivational speaking. After one of his speeches in 1988, Jim was approached by
a friend who asked him to perform as Orville Wright, the first man to fly. Jim
accepted, and today is the only person in America performing as “Orville”
professionally, as a “Living Historian”.
In 1991, Jim started traveling the United States as a Living Historian on
“Orville Wright”, the first man to fly.
In 2000, and after working with some of this country’s best living historians,
he decided to use his knowledge he gained in the recording and producing
industry to provide a service to schools throughout the United States, and
eventually the World, videoconferencing these living historians to both students
and teachers. Jim believes that by exposing students and adults to these “Heroes”, their
strong family values, and triumphs over adversities, he can inspire today’s
generation to lead a more productive and successful life.
Judith A. Spence, Manager of Operations"Judy" has been with Ross Laboratory’s
Accounting Department since 1980. Prior to her coming to Virent, she was
responsible for the sales reps' (over 500) commissions and bonuses for the
entire western half of the United States. Together, Judy and Jim have a total of
66 years of corporate development with companies such as: ADCO, RCA; Decca,
Capital Records; Ross Laboratories, and their own Free Lance and Consulting
Businesses.
John C. Swartz, PhD,
Educational Advisor
John has been portraying “General George Washington” since 1985. In 1995, he was the lead actor in a six-part mini series (two years in the making) on the Revolutionary War, which was produced by the Learning Channel. John believes that, by making the strong and positive traits of George Washington comes alive today; he is helping to preserve the inspiring, patriotic heritage of America. John is also a “Thomas Edison” Living Historian. He resides in Akron, Ohio.
William Beausay, PhDDr. Beausay, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, is a clinical psychologist, College professor for over 11 years, an ordained clergyman and is a living historian of “Christopher Columbus”, “Sigmund Freud”, “Karl Jung” and some of the great biblical characters. Dr. Beausay is Professor Emeritus; Urbana University; Mt. Vernon Nazarene College
Agent:
James H. Spence, Founder & CEO
Corporate Tax Consultant: Charles Landenberger, CPA