James C. Sparks "Sparky"

James C. Sparks "Sparky", departed this life January 17, 2010 and awoke in his Heavenly home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by all that knew him.

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.

Published in Akron Beacon Journal from January 19 to January 20, 2010