James Rueben Sparks, 86, of Owensboro, passed away on Tuesday October 28, 2025 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born September 19, 1939 in Daviess County to the late James and Myrtle Mount Sparks. James was the manager of Tylers Truck Stop Restaurant in Reo, Indiana for many years. He was a U. S. Army veteran during the Viet Nam Era having served in Army Intelligence. James loved spending time with his three great granddaughters. He enjoyed cooking, was an avid reader, being in the outdoors and working in his yard, and traveling to many different places with his wife Betty. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Joann Cox.
Surviving are his wife Betty whom he was happily married to for 55 wonderful years; a daughter, Shadow Gail Bailey (Richard) of Owensboro; a granddaughter, Kendra Reynolds (Jamen) of Owensboro; a bonus grandchild, Kandace Bailey of Owensboro; and three great granddaughters, Elivia, LilaAnn, and Addisyn.
Services for James will be private and burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.
900 Old Hartford Road (at Breckenridge), Owensboro, KY 42303
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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