Jim Sparks, a resident of Hutton Valley, MO passed away at his home with his family by his side on Saturday, August 12, 2023. He was born November 23, 1947, in Willow Springs, MO to Earl and Stella (Goodwin) Sparks and was 75 years old.
Jim attended the final class of the Hutton Valley School before graduating from Willow Springs High School, class of 1966. On April 21, 1967, he officially joined the United States Air Force where he served one tour in Vietnam as a bomb loader. He married the love of his life Margaret Rose Spataro on December 24, 1970, in Tokyo, Japan at the U.S. Embassy. After a long military career, he retired and worked on his farm initially cultivating livestock such as chickens, pigs, and rabbits. In his free time, he enjoyed outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He loved watching football, particularly the Denver Broncos. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Stella, and his brother, Jesse Burroughs.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret; his daughter, Connie Jo; his son, Jim Jr.; his sister, Mary Ann Aldrich and husband, Daryl; and his nieces and nephews.
A visitation and funeral service for Jim will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at Willow Funeral Home, LLC. The visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with the funeral service immediately following with Minister Kirk Langston officiating. Interment will be held at the Hutton Valley Cemetery in Willow Springs with full military honors.
Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home, LLC. Online condolences may be left at www.willowspringsfuneralhome.com.
