The Reverend James Harold Sparks Obituary (1928

Let Us Pause To Honor the Memory of The Reverend James "Jim" Harold Sparks The Reverend James "Jim" Harold Sparks, age 86, of Madison, Indiana entered this life on November 4, 1928 near Camden in Benton County, Tennessee. He was the loving son of the late, Buford and Ruby (Deaton) Sparks. He was raised in Benton County and graduated high school there. He graduated from the Lexington Bible College in 1961. James was inducted into the United States Army on November 25, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan at the end of World War II and proudly served his country and was stationed on the border between Germany and Czechoslovakia. He rose to the rate of Technician Fifth Grade in the Regular Army. James was honorably discharged on May 1, 1948 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey receiving the Army of Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. On September 3, 1949 Jim married the love of his life Virginia Ann Usery in Corinth, Mississippi. They raised six children and spent 65 wonderful years together before his passing. After the war and marrying Virginia, Jim felt the Lord's call to enter the ministry. He attended Lexington Baptist College from 1956-1961. Always a hardworking man, Jim obtained his degree and worked a full time job while raising his family. Jim served as a pastor for 57 years beginning in 1957 at Battle Baptist Church. He was then moved to serve as Pastor for Winston Baptist Church, Brooksburg Baptist Church and Crestview Baptist Church. He also served as the Associate Pastor for First Baptist Church and as Minister of Seniors for Hanover Baptist Church as well as a Deacon and Adult Sunday School Teacher since 1979. Jim's priorities in his life were his Lord, his family and his church. He was honored to have baptized countless people including all of his children and most of his grandchildren. In his spare time Jim enjoyed gardening, especially his roses. He loved to read the Bible and immerse himself in God's word. He enjoyed reading commentaries, researching and studying in preparation for Sunday School and sermons. In 1975 Jim along with his sons Gary and Terry acquired Madison Tool Co and under his leadership the company grew from one employee in a 2,800 square foot facility into Madison Tool and Die Inc with over 150 dedicated employees and a facility covering over 110,000 square feet. Jim loved life and loved people. He lived every day to glorify God and help those in need. He will always be remembered for his infallible faith, love and support of everyone around him. Jim will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him and whose lives he touched during his 86 years. Jim entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 16, 2015, at 10:30 p.m. at his home in Madison surrounded by his loving family. Click Here for Funeral Service or Tribute Video A LOVING FAMILY Jim will be missed by his beloved and devoted wife of sixty five years, Virginia Ann Usery Sparks of Madison, Indiana; his loving sons, Richie Sparks and his wife, Carol of Madison, Indiana, Terry Sparks and his wife, Susan of Madison, Indiana, Gary Sparks and his wife, Julie of Madison, Indiana, David Sparks and his wife, Lenee of Marietta, Georgia, Jonathan Sparks of San Bernardino, California; his loving daughter, Debbie Sparks of Madison, Indiana; his loving sister, Mary Lou Krause of Camden, Tennessee; his loving grandchildren, Laura Adams (Jonathan); Leslie Buchanan (Derek); Matthew Sparks (Tonya); G. Michael Sparks (Melinda); Holly Sloas (Andy); Ryan Sparks (Christen); Jimmy Long (Brooke) Jason Long; Michael Schirmer; Claire McClain (Matt); Maegan Sparks and Ben Sparks; his 19-great grandchildren; his cousin that was raised with him, Dean Waters of Camden, Tennessee; several nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Ruby (Deaton) Sparks, his brothers, Jack Sparks, Leonard Sparks, and Donald Sparks, and his sisters, Carolyn Smith and Martha Sue Sparks. FUNERAL CEREMONY Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 20, 2015, at 11:00 a.m., by Pastor J.D. Traylor at the Hanover Baptist Church, 151 West Main Street in Hanover, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Fairmount Cemetery in Madison, Indiana VISITATION Friends may call Thursday from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Hanover Baptist Church, 151 West Main Street in Hanover, Indiana. MILITARY HONORS A final salute will be conducted on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Hanover Baptist Church, 151 West Main Street in Hanover, Indiana with full military honors conducted at the graveside by the Fort Knox Ceremonial Unit and Jefferson Post 9, of the American Legion. MEMORIAL EXPRESSIONS Memorial contributions may be made to Hanover Baptist Church Building Fund or The Gideon's Memorial Bible Plan. Cards are available at the funeral home. Secure Payments To send a flower arrangement in memory of The Reverend James Harold Sparks, please click here to visit our sympathy store.