Date Of Birth: October 10, 1930
Date Of Death: April 10, 2009
James E. Sparks – Strong to Glory A man of humble beginnings, Jimmy decided early that his strength would be his best asset. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 15. With his best friend, Col. David Hackworth, he embarked on a soldier’s journey that took him from caring for Gen. Eisenhower’s horses to running the streets of Trieste, Italy, scaring the daylights out of Yugoslav Patrols. He drove tanks, worked in Intelligence and Reconnaissance in Italy, transported prisoners, and honorably ended his tour of duty to start a family. In the midst of growing up fast, he learned how to lead. Life got even more interesting for Jimmy. He met and married Barbara White in 1953 after a whirlwind courtship. Soon after, he and Barbara accepted Christ as their Savior and began attending the Indianapolis Baptist Temple, lead by Brother Greg Dixon. For the next decade and as these bonds formed with God, Bro. Dixon and each other, Jimmy’s family included six children. He found his physical strength as well as his newfound spiritual strength was never more necessary. Tested many times over the next 50 odd years, Jimmy humbled himself before God in prayer seeking His guidance. Throughout his life, Jimmy held a host of jobs, many at the same time, in order to care for his family. These included carpenter, a Millwright, Chief of Security for a retail chain, and a few other odd jobs. He was not afraid of hard work, and yet he still took time to enjoy his life. It was his love of horses that took him to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Patrol. Many lessons were taught to his children simply by the way he cared for his horses. Jimmy’s powerful stature sitting on a beautiful horse is an image many of us will never forget. Jimmy loved God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. He loved his wife, Barbara, beyond measure, and also treasured their six children: Pamela (husband Tim) Melloh, Jim (wife Linda) Sparks, Larry Sparks, Donna (husband Tom) Tobia, Tim (wife Carole) Sparks, and Rebecca Albright. He thought his children were his finest accomplishment. He is also survived by his grandchildren David Sparks, Katie Melloh, Allyson Melloh, Emily Sparks-Andersen, Benjamin Sparks, Abby Sparks, Kristen Sparks, and Ryan Albright; and many, many friends. He is strong once again, resting in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. And we rest knowing that we will all “meet him in the morning.” By the Sparks Family
Chuck Nobles says
I am so sorry that we lost another tanker. Jim was one of the first tankers to have served in Trieste in the 1940s. He will be missed by all of us.
Kate Melloh Abby Sparks Emily Andersen Ally Melloh says
We are Jim’s granddaughters and we will miss him very much, but hope that anyone that knew him will learn from his life and example the way that we did. He was a great man and even better Grandpa. He was a light for the Lord that even in his passing will not be dimmed. We will love him and keep him in our hearts and pray that we will do him proud as we continue on our life’s journey without him.
Pam Anderson Gregory says
Donna,Becky and Family,
I was so sorry to read about the death of your father today. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know what a great man he was because I think the world of his daughters. Please take care and know that he will rest in peace. God Bless you all.
Pammie
Stephen Voorhies says
With my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Sincerely, Stephen H. Voorhies
Angela McKee says
Dear Sparks Family,
Although we did not know your beloved James, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. My son and I so enjoyed our visit with the family at the VA hospital last Thursday. James was a testament that there are Real American Heroes and your family’s strength was truly amazing. Corin and I did our regular Easter visit to pass out easter eggs and appreciation at the VA again this Sunday. I have to say that after walking in that room you all were in and not seeing everyone brought a sense of sadness yet relief to us both. We so would have loved to talk with you all again yet we knew the struggle that he was going through and that he is now where he belongs at this time. Thank you so much for sharing your stories with us, we will remember them always. Hold strong until it’s time to see him again.
Sincerely,
Angela McKee and
YM Sgt. Corin McKee
Melony Burdine says
I took care of your husband and father at the VA medical center and he always had a positive attitude when we came to do anything for him and was always appreciative of anything you did even if you just came in to check on him. Your family was always there with him till the end and to that I am sure he was very grateful. I wanted to say I appreciate Mr Sparks dedicated service to our country and may your family find peace and I hope that you can get through this tough time. You are in my prayers Melony Burdine I was one of the Health techs on evening shift
Russell Lora Lee says
Jim will be fondly remembered as a kind and loving gentleman. He was very easy to talk with, and a pleasure to have as a friend.
To the Sparks family:
Keep in your hearts and minds that God took his soldier home, but he will always be a part of you. His life will live on through you.
Due to circumstances we were unable to attend his service to pay our respect, but please know that our prayers are with all of you as you move forward.
We all thank Jim for his service to our country, his friendship, and his testimony for Christ.
God Bless!
Brenda Christie says
I knew Jim & Barbara (“Mom and Dad”) years ago. They were always good to me. I always had fun when I visited them. Memories will always fill my heart. Love to the Sparks family.
Donna Tobia says
I miss you, Dad, more than any words can express. I love you, Dad, more than my heart can hold.
Donna
Pam says
Daddy,
I miss you so much it hurts and what keeps me going is the knowledge that I will see you again. What I miss the most is sharing an episode of COPS and discussing the lastest political news, and when you pat my hair and say “love you babe”. I know, though, that you would be very proud of all six of us and our spouses in how we have worked together to make this easy on Mom and kept her upright. And I bet you are up there singing with the angels because of all the people that have been touched thru this time of trial and testing for us. Thank you Daddy for loving me and making me your “favorite first-born”.
I will always love you more than chocolate cake.
Becky says
Daddy, I no you can’t see this, but I miss you so much it hurts. My heart is broken and my eyes want to look around and see you sitting watching Fox news. I’m glad your not suffering any more. I only wish we could have gotten you up and around feeling better sooner. I look at your pictures everyday and want you to no I MISS YOU! I promised to you, to raise Ryan in the likeness of you, in a strong Spiritual and Godly upbringing. He misses his Grandpaw so much. I remind to him everyday how much you loved him. If I get him raised the way you and Mom raised us, I know he will be a loving,thoughtful good boy and a honorable Christ- like young man. Thank You for all you were and the legacy you left us to keep on keeping on. We also promised you that Mom would not want for anything in this world but YOU! She misses you so much, it hurts us to see how much her heart aches for you. I trust that GOD will ease my pain and make my heart feel better knowing YOU and GOD are watching over us. Thank You! I will always keep you close to my heart love you forever. Always, Your little girl (at heart) your daughter, Rebecca Lynn.
TIM SPARKS says
I love you Dad.
Love always
TIM.
TIM SPARKS says
This Fathers day was a lonely one without you here in person Pop, my kids told me everything I wanted to tell you.We miss you and will always love you ,Happy Fathers Day. love always Tim,”your favorite”
Becky Albright says
I think of you everyday Daddy, I miss you so much………. Always your little girl, Bea
Donna Sparks Tobia says
You were honored today, Dad, at the V.A. by those who cared for you, those you fought for and those you served with. I wish I could have been there, but my heart was there. I love all the memories you gave me, Daddy, and pray that I can be the person you always wanted me to be. I know you are happy and dancing in Heaven, and it makes me smile to think that you are healthy and loved and walking with Jesus. “Your favorite”, Donkey
tim sparks says
well pop ben joined the army and is going to fort sill oklahoma, he said he did it to make you proud, i know you would be , he loves you so much and all of my kids miss you dad. i wish you were to guide ben thru this , he will do good things in your name, ill see you some great day pop, i love you , tim
Donna says
Daddy, I don’t think that you could ever know how much your leaving hurt. But you had to go. It was your time. Words can’t express the flood of emotions that followed to this day, 11 months and 6 days later, in just trying to cope with your loss. My head knows you are far better off, but my heart hasn’t caught up to that yet. I love you, Daddy, and will see you again “in the morning.” ~ Donna K