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BORN
1950
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
James Sprankle Obituary
Jimmy Sprankle, 66, passed away after a long illness at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, on May 16. He was born on Dec. 10, 1950 in Vallejo, to James Herman and Carol Sprankle, stepfather, Harold Thacker. Jimmy grew up in Vallejo. He attended Cave Elementary School, Springtown Jr. High, and Hogan Senior High. He worked various jobs throughout his life, such as owner operator of the Cadillac Barber Shop/Blues Musician's Hangout to Travis Air Force grounds manager. From the time he was 12, Jimmy was a lead singer, and later a guitar player for several Bay Area bands. He never wavered from his love of the Blues. You could always see him performing from Sacramento's Blue Lamp Club to San Francisco's Biscuits and Blues. Jimmy made sure to cover all of his favorite blues legends in his last CD, "Uptown, Downtown". The Bay area music community will sorely miss him.
Preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; uncles, Dick, Bill and Howard Sprankle.
Survived by his sisters, Connie (Mike) Bailey, Janet (Ed) Casarino, and Karen (Dennis) Miller; aunt, Nancy (Wally) Bota; stepdaughter, Kristi Cortijo; nieces, Kimberly Casarino, and Kari Miller, Danielle Farris, Domininque Mares; nephews, Ramon Mares, Erin Casarino, Derick Miller, Anthony Lopez and Chris Casarino; cousins, Chris (Chantel), Allen (Karen), Nancy (Rick) Sprankle, and Rhonda Brazil; granddaughter, Lexie Etue, and longtime friend, blues brother, Scott Foster.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service Sunday, June 11, at 1 p.m., at Skyview Memorial Chapel, 200 Rollingwood Drive, followed by a memorial luncheon.
Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Skyview Memorial Lawn, 707-644-7474.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Sprankle
Sponsored by Skyview Memorial Lawn.
Rick Bathurst
September 16, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's passing. I knew Jim from Cave School & Springstowne days. I lost track of Jim after joining the service, but I'll always remember Jim as a gentle soul with a kind heart. Jim loved his family and always had a warm smile. Jim's gone way to early, but one not to be forgotten. Prayers to Jim's family and may they have peace during these most difficult times. May you R.I.P. " Jimmy ", ...
Susan Darling-Mahoney
June 12, 2017
I first met Jimmy in Mrs Kincaid's 1st grade class at Cave School in Vallejo. He was a very active boy with a colorful personality. He kept his classmates in stitches. Never a dull moment when Jimmy was around. Our friendship lasted through high school. I hadn't seen him much in recent years. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
I know his friends and family have warm and wonderful memories of Jimmy (I know I do). I am hoping these memories will soothe them through this difficult time. Much love to his family.
June 12, 2017
JIMMY,
YOU HAD A SHARE LIKE NO OTHER, CAPTIVTED ME, MADE ME LAUGH, MADE ME THINK, I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU KNEW MY HUSBAND WHO WOULD COME HOME FROM THE BABER SHOP WITH STORIES AND HE WOULD ALWAYS LAUGH AS HE TOLD THEM. YOUR SERVICES WERE BEAUTIFUL. SONNY AND I WILL MISS YOU - THANK YOU FOR GREAT MEMORIES.
BETH SHORT
Raymond McNary
June 11, 2017
Jimmy--known you since the fruit cutting days and my little '58 Fiat. You have left us, but your smile will be with us forever. Until we meet again.
Crystal Simmons
June 11, 2017
Jimmy was an awesome man he will be missed by many. I am blessed I got to know him as long as I did. R.i.p jimmy see u again sometime, love you for ever Dave, Crystal, Adrian and Jj
Deborah Andrews
June 9, 2017
Although never close, Jimmy fills my memories. From grammar school until in my 20s. A really great guy. Hope to see you up there Jimmy.
Robert Thacker
June 9, 2017
Jim was fun to be around. He was a great cousin. My memories are of growing up with him around about age 8-10. Our sympathy goes out to Connie, Janet, and Karen and all of his friends that new him. From Bob, Bev, Tim, Rick, Michele, and the rest of the Thacker family.
June 8, 2017
jimmy i will miss you brother,you were there for me when i was new to recovery.my heart goes out to you loved ones my friend,see you when i get there jimmy
Phil Rider
June 5, 2017
RIP Big Jim. Sorry for your loss Connie. I still and will continue to listen to his music. Incredible!
Mike Lavezzo
June 5, 2017
Jimmy and I grew up together, 3rd grade to 12th grade. Lots of memories growing up doing boy stuff.. He always had a kind heart. I will always remember Jimmy. Love and prayers to all his family.. RIP
Patricia Williams
June 4, 2017
My heart and thoughts go out to each of you Connie, Janet and Karen. Jimmy was a soft spoken man that could make you laugh in an instant. Lots of memories were brought up through the years with Joey.
My prayer is that God will be close to each of you as you transition through the grieving process.
Be blessed. Much love Patty Osborne-Williams.
Lorraine Osuna DeGroat
June 4, 2017
My Deepest Sympathy to the Sprankle Family. I knew Jimmy from Cave,Springstown & Hogan. Gone way to soon! Such a Talented Man!
Gary Olsen
June 4, 2017
Jim and I were very close friends during our years at Springstown Junior High and Hogan High Senior High. We had some awesome experiences together that I will never forget. We lost contact after our school years but I will never forget him and how he inspired me to play music throughout my life. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Gary Olsen
June 4, 2017
My sympathy goes out to Connie & all of the Sprankle family for their loss. Jimmy was a great person and will be truly missed by me. I enjoyed being around him cause he always had a smile on his face. May God Bless. Jim Easterling
June 4, 2017
My sympathy goes out to Connie and the rest of the Sprankle family for their loss. Jimmy was a great person and I always enjoyed being around him. May God Bless.
Skyview Memorial Lawn
June 3, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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