1934
James
2023
James Grant Sparks
October 8, 1934 — August 28, 2023
Jim was Born October 8, 1934 to Grant Sparks and Florence Duff Sparks in Lamar, Arkansas He passed away Monday August 28, 2023 in Hollady, Utah.
Jim was the middle child of five, two older sisters Nadine and Cynthia and two younger sisters Nedra and Elaine.
Shortyly after his graduation from Lamar High School he was drafted into the Army. He was proud of his service, enjoyed serving in Japan, and was honorably discharged in 1956.
He lived in California and worked as a barber with his brother-in-law, Carmen Austin before returning to Arkansas to attend Arkansas Tech. He was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1962 and graduated with honors from Tech in 1963. He remained a life-long learner, avid reader, and storyteller extraordinaire.
Jim was proud of his Southern roots, but became a Utah boy when he met the love of his life, ReNae Marlor. They married June 4, 1971 and all at once Jim became a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He loved his family and treasured the time spent with them. His greatest joy was being with them and watching them grow up.
Their granddaughter Brittney and her family lived with Jim and ReNae caring for ReNae until her passing and eventually caring for Jim. Brittney’s children were a source of great joy to Jim always able to bring a smile to his face.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife ReNae, sister Nadine Head, daughter Wendy Murphy and step father Delbert Fuller.
He is survived by his sister Cynthiana Austin, Nedra Erekson and Elaine Erekson, daughter Sharon Nielsen, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held September 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Redwood Cemetery on 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84123Service Information
Graveside Service
September 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Cemetery 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84123
Jim was the middle child of five, two older sisters Nadine and Cynthia and two younger sisters Nedra and Elaine.
Shortyly after his graduation from Lamar High School he was drafted into the Army. He was proud of his service, enjoyed serving in Japan, and was honorably discharged in 1956.
He lived in California and worked as a barber with his brother-in-law, Carmen Austin before returning to Arkansas to attend Arkansas Tech. He was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges in 1962 and graduated with honors from Tech in 1963. He remained a life-long learner, avid reader, and storyteller extraordinaire.
Jim was proud of his Southern roots, but became a Utah boy when he met the love of his life, ReNae Marlor. They married June 4, 1971 and all at once Jim became a husband, a father, and a grandfather. He loved his family and treasured the time spent with them. His greatest joy was being with them and watching them grow up.
Their granddaughter Brittney and her family lived with Jim and ReNae caring for ReNae until her passing and eventually caring for Jim. Brittney’s children were a source of great joy to Jim always able to bring a smile to his face.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife ReNae, sister Nadine Head, daughter Wendy Murphy and step father Delbert Fuller.
He is survived by his sister Cynthiana Austin, Nedra Erekson and Elaine Erekson, daughter Sharon Nielsen, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held September 22, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Memorial Redwood Cemetery on 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84123Service Information
Graveside Service
September 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Memorial Redwood Cemetery 6500 S. Redwood Rd. West Jordan, UT 84123
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