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James Sparks Obituary
Sparky was born May 27, 1942 to Dail and Margaret (Nemer) Sparks. He retired from Aircraft Braking with 35 years service, where he met most of his dearest friends as a painter. He owned "Sparks Auto Sales and Service" , and he always had a love of cars and enjoyed going to auctions. He was known to be truly a Man of his Word, a loyal friend to many, always being the first to reach out to help his family and friends. He was a member of Barberton Masonic Lodge #750 F & AM, Tadmor Shrine, Akron Orioles, Eagles #555 and Barberton Moose.
He was a kind hearted, loving person who always thought of everyone. His grandchildren were his world, and he thoroughly enjoyed spoiling them. He was able to have a wonderful vacation in the mountains of Georgia this past summer with his family, since he has always had a love for the Smokey Mountains and childhood memories there.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Patricia (Surgen); daughter, Debra (Ed) Steinbacher; grandson, Tanner; granddaughter, Kennedy, both of which he idolized and who lovingly called him "Pappa".
He also leaves stepson, Frank (Becky) Freshwater and family; his "older" sister, Anita (Ron) Gauthier; "younger" sister, Sandy (David) Davenport, many nieces and nephews. His closest friends, JHH, Rev. John, Jim, Bill, Gary, Elmer, Rusty, Ron and Al. He thought the world of all of you.
Funeral services at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd. Thursday at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Ernie Kemppel officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5 to 8 P.M. TONIGHT, where Barberton Lodge will conduct Masonic Services at 7:00 P.M. In Lieu of flowers, he wishes for donations to be made to the Shriners Children's Hospitals.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Sparks
Alice Lusk
July 7, 2010
Pat,Debbie my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.I always thought of you as friends.Dave Huth told me about Sparky.My deepests sympathy goes out to you and your family . Pat I do know the lose you are feeling .I lost my Husband in Arpil.All my Love.Alice(dangelo)Lusk
Frances Foster
June 19, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Frances Foster
June 19, 2010
To the Family and Friends of Mr. Sparks,
Please accept my apologies for not posting this earlier, but I just found out about his passing. I had been thinking of him for quite awhile now and was praying for him. Something told me yesterday to Google his name and I found the obituary. I've known Jim for awhile now as he was one of my favorite customers in the world. I work at Adesa Pittsburgh and have known him for a good many years. He was a wonderful man. When Jim found out that my son had enlisted in the Marines, he told me he'd keep him in his prayers. When I told him he was going to be deployed, he offered me kind words and told me he'd keep us all in prayer. He took time to listen and he was a genuine man. He truly did care. When he told me of his diagnosis, he had a positive attitude. If he hadn't of made a big impression before, he truly did this time. He talked very highly of his family. He spoke of taking the grandchildren camping. He would laugh and have a sparkle in his eye when he spoke of them. He once told me after a month or so of not seeing him, he wanted to get out of the car business but he wanted to make sure his family was taken care of. This spoke volumes for his character. He once thanked me for being kind. He said in the world we live in, everyone's so busy and consumed with their own lives, but I took the time out to listen and he appreciated it. Most people don't care and just want to get you out the door to wait on someone else. I explained to him that he wasn't just a customer, but a fellow human being that deserved respect, just like the my other customers. I know you're not suppossed to have your favorites, but you do. And trust me when I say this, Jim was one of my all time favorites. When I found out about the cancer, I had told my husband and told him that there's just some people that you meet in life that leave an everlasting imprint on your heart, and it's important to let you know, that Jim did just that to me. I can't speak on behalf of my co workers, but I most certainly speak for myself when I say, Jim's presence will be greatly missed at work. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm a better person for having had the chance to know Jim. His many words had given me many things to think about. And has helped me through some situations that he helped open my eyes to. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his loved ones. Thank you for letting me share my words with you. I hope y'all find comfort in knowing that He's watching over you and waiting for the day you reunite in Heaven. Rest assured, you'll forever have a Guardian Angel.
February 3, 2010
Sorry to hear about Uncle Jim he will be greatly missed by all that knew him
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Penny Surgen-Bills
January 22, 2010
Dear Aunt Pat and Family,
We send our condolences and deep sympathy for the loss of this wonderful man, may God protect and keep him always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take care and God Bless You All.
Kim McAdams
January 21, 2010
May God bless you & your family in this time of sorrow. Jim was a great guy! Our Dad thought the world of him and will miss him.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Kim, Katrina, and Anna (Ron Kreider's daughters)
Dallas Davenport
January 21, 2010
Have known Jim since we were little guys... so sorry about your loss.... Dallas N Davenport
January 20, 2010
Pat, Debbie and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all have my deepest sympathies. It never seems like enough to say that, but please know that it is very heartfelt. I will be praying for all of you that the lord is with you and gives you strength to deal with this so very difficult time.
with MUCH love and prayers, Sandi, Troy, Dominic and Nicholas Weyrick (Sandi Benedum)
tim
January 20, 2010
i knew jim he was good to us kids in the old neighborhood sorry to hear about your alls loss
January 20, 2010
God has taken Jim into his embrass , but his memery will always be here with us. Sincere sympathy to his family. May he rest in peace in heaven. Sis-in law< Pat.
Jacki Rogers
January 20, 2010
Pat, Deb & Family ... Jim will be missed by a lot of people. We will keep you all in our prayers. We pray the Lord gives you the strength and peace you need right now. Jacki & Ron Rogers
DODIE MURDOCK
January 20, 2010
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR MY AUNT PAT , COUSINDEBBIE AND THEIR FAMILYS.. UNCLE JIM WAS A GOOD MAN AND VERY KIND. I REMEMBER HIM ALWAY THERE FOR US WHEN WE WERE KIDS.. HE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.. HE DID ALOT OF GOOD IN HIS LIFE... HES IN THE BEST OF HANDS NOW.. HES AT PEACE WITH GOD AND FELLING NO PAIN OR ILLNESS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.. REST IN PEACE UNCLE JIM... LOVE DODIE..
Yvonne Warner
January 20, 2010
Pat, Debby and family. My heart goes out to you all, he was such a sweet and caring person. I have always loved and admired Jim for his thoughtfullness. I will miss him. Please stay in touch.
Love, Cousin Yvonne
Lisa Dilworth-Green
January 20, 2010
Deb & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I pray our Lord gives you peace at this difficult time.
Jim Hanson
January 20, 2010
Pat,Debbie&Family,
Words cannot express the loss we all feel.Sparky may be out of site but never out of mind. We have 45 years of great memories which are priceless.Our deepest thoughts are with you.
Love, Jim&Lisa Hanson (JHH)
January 20, 2010
We are very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. My husband grew up in the same neighborhood with Jim & his sister Sandy. He also visited with Jim several times in the past year. Jim will be missed by many. Your family is in our thoughts & prayers.
Vance & Kathie Lacefield
Barbara Long
January 20, 2010
We are saddened by the death of our Cousin Jim, but we rejoice that he is in Heaven waiting for us, free from pain. Although I hadn't seen him for a long time, Ken saw him this past summer when he was in Georgia and had talked with him on the phone since then. We both wish we could be with you today, but our prayers and thoughts will be there as you have to say "good-bye" to Jim's earthly body. We love you all.
Your Cousins (Aunt Lucille (Sparks) and Jim Young's children),
Ken and Elaine Young and Barbara (Young) and Richard Long
Sandra Jaberg
January 20, 2010
Pat, Allof my Prays are with you and your family God Bless all Jim well be missed Love all Sandy RowesvilleS.C,
Buz & Barb Steinbacher
January 20, 2010
Pat,Deb,Ed,Tanner&Kenni,
We are so very sorry for your loss.Please know our thoughts are with you ALL.
January 19, 2010
Pat and Family;
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will never forget all the funny and memorable stories I heard about Sparky.
Cindy Reisinger and Family
(Debbie Channell's sister and Bud's sister-in-law)
Mary Beth & Pete Hafler
January 19, 2010
Debbie,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
January 19, 2010
Dear Pat and Debbie,
I was so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I really hate that the only time that we seem to get together is when something like this happens.
Please know that you are all in our prayers.
Felicia and Chris Benedum
Bud and Debbie Channell
January 19, 2010
Pat and family we are so sorry and sad to hear of Sparky's passing. He was such a great guy and we have such wonderful memories , he will surely be missed. You are in are thoughts and prayers if you need anything please let us know
Cindy Rankl
January 19, 2010
Pat & Debbie,
I'am so sorry for your loss.Sparky was such a joy to be around,the memories I have will stay in my heart for ever.
Crystal Phillips
January 19, 2010
Dear Pat, Debbie, and family. I am so sorry to hear about Sparky. My sympathies are with you in this time of sorrow.....Crystal Phillips (Bob Phillips daughter)
Jami Bost
January 19, 2010
Debbie, Ed, Tanner, Kenni and Pat.
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful, incredibly generous man and I know how much you all loved him. My heart breaks for you all.
Love, Jami Karina Allison and Kaylyn.
Patty Mitchell
January 19, 2010
Debbie and the rest of Jim's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Take comfort in knowing you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
January 19, 2010
Debbie & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Krista Lemire
January 19, 2010
Hi Pat & family,
My sympathies go to you and your family. I know how difficult this time can be. If I can help in any way, please let me know. Jim will be missed.
Pam Schmitt (Dave Davenport's daughter)
Ellen Morgan
January 19, 2010
Dear Pat and family,
Iwanted to send you our sympathy and to let you know our prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.Jim was a great guy.
Ellen Morgan and Family
Bryan Sinnett
January 19, 2010
Debbie and family My family sends our deepest sympathy. I will miss seeing jim in my store he loved to tell me how is grandkids made his life full of love.
January 19, 2010
Dear Pat and family,
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. Sparky was such a great man and he will be missed. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to call either Tony or myself.
Sandy & Tony (Kenmore and Rittman Automotive)
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