Lewis James Spellman

Lewis James Spellman of West Lake Hills, Texas, born February 26, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey to Alfred and Frieda Spellman, passed away peacefully on December 8th, 2024. He was predeceased by his older sister, Audrey Barbara Spellman of New York, N.Y. An army veteran and graduate of the University of Michigan with a BA and MBA in business, Lewis became Assistant to the Chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisors under the Johnson Administration and later an Economist with the Federal Reserve Board. Lewis then attained his MA and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in economics from Stanford University. In 1971, Lewis became a Professor of Finance at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas in Austin, where he taught in the undergraduate and graduate level for well over 45 years. He also taught at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, the UT School of Law, the University of California, Berkeley and Stanford University. He authored books on Finance and Capital Markets and was frequently published in renowned industry journals. He also held several U.S. patents related to inflation indexed financial instruments. In more recent years, Lewis continued to illuminate students, alumni and others through his monthly blog, The Spellman Report and popular alumni lecture events. He also served as advisor or board member for several private industry companies. Lewis had a deep intellectual curiosity combined with an easy going demeanor that endeared him to many, resulting in a wealth of lasting friendships. A passionate golfer and avid swimmer, he was a fixture in the golf and social scene at Austin Country Club and Escondido Golf & Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay where he perennially vacationed. Lewis enthusiastically travelled, playing championship golf courses throughout the country and visiting friends and family for every holiday and special occasion. But closer to home, he loved Texas culture and tempo and made it his adopted home. In his earlier years he enjoyed taking hikes with his two golden retrievers, Red and Rusty, throughout rural Austin locales and then cooling off with friends at Katz Deli on West 6th street among the many establishments of the nightlife and music scene of that era. He is survived by his niece, Lisa, and nephew, Andrew, as well as his great niece, Samantha, and his great nephews, Clayton, Morgan, Austin and Hudson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests in memory of Lew, donations be made to https://www.austintexas.gov/austin-animal-center. A celebration of life service will be held in the New Year for family and close friends.

Lewis James Spellman

February 26, 1939 - December 8, 2024