James Sparks
East Alton |
James H. Sparks, Jr., 87, passed away 2:45 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2016 at Bethalto Care Center.
Born in Detroit, MI on November 30, 1928, he was the son of James H. and Mamie (DeWitt) Sparks.
A U.S. Navy veteran from 1946-49, he worked in the maintenance department of Wood River Township Hospital for 20 years before retiring in 1988. He was a member of the Wood River Eagles Lodge Aries 2773 and enjoyed, golf, pool and bowling.
He married the former Barbara Carrigan on July 1, 1950 in Indianapolis, IN. She died November 28, 2009.
Surviving are a daughter, Sandra Shaw of Godfrey; four sons, Thomas Sparks and Richard Sparks both of East Alton, James Sparks of DuQuoin, Joseph (Holly) Sparks of Wood River; five grandchildren, Ben Gettleman, Crystal Sparks, Christine Sparks, Brandon Sparks, Jacob Sparks; and step-grandchildren, Michele and Bethany Clark, Kaitlyn Vaughn.
Preceding in death were his parents; wife; two grandchildren, Ryan Hanner and Ricky Sparks; brother, Jack Sparks; and sister, Shirley Shewmake.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Monday at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Pastor Martin Schultz will officiate.
Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Mark's Mortuary
