During Jim Spanfeller's younger years, he lived in Pennsylvania and recieved his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1952 from the Philladelphia Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1964, Spanfeller recieved the title of Artist of the Year from the Artists Guild of New York. Throughout his career he has recieved more than 60 awards for his work from such institutions as the American Institute of Graphic Arts, Society of Illustrators, Art Directors Club of Washington D.C., and he was nominated for the National Book Award in 1970.