Jim Sparks 1949-2018

James “Jim” C. Sparks, 68, of Hiawatha, passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, with his family by his side.

Jim was born April 12, 1949, in Lawrence, the son of LeRoy James and Marjorie (Weeks) Sparks.

Jim graduated from Whiting High School in 1967. He has lived in the Hiawatha community since 1989. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam Era.

Jim worked as security supervisor for Casino White Cloud, retiring in 2012. He enjoyed carpentry work, reading western novels and spending time with his family and friends.

Jim was married to Carol A. Garrison on Dec. 9, 1976, in Hiawatha. She survives of the home.

He is also survived by his children, Brian W. Sparks of Hiawatha, Amanda M. Bottom (Derek) of Soldier and James M. Sparks (Nancy) of Horton; his sister, Ann Meyers (Randy) of Tampa, Fla.; his brother, Vernon J. “Joe” Sparks of Oskaloosa; nine grandchildren, Riann, James L.R. Sparks, Andrew, Clairissa, Evan, Danny, James, Dante and Raelynn; and a great-granddaughter, LayLa. He was preceded in death by his brother, Lewis A. “Sonny” Sparks.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton with military honors to follow. He will lie in state at the funeral home, where the family will greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Inurnment in McLouth Cemetery will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Sparks Memorial Fund, to be designated at a later date and sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)