Jim was born in Kermit Texas, May 1, 1942, and died in Dallas, Texas, December 21, 2013 of complications from Alzheimer's disease. Jim was a gentle and kind husband, father and grandfather. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and cared deeply about always doing the right thing. He would pick up an insect in the house, and move it outside, rather than killing it. He was a Stephen Minister with the Methodist Church (First United Methodist Church of Richardson), being available as a lay person to counsel others in need. He volunteered for several years to coordinate the sound system management for the three worship services every Sunday at FUMCR. He volunteered in summer reading programs to help elementary school children from disadvantaged neighborhoods. He also volunteered in Richardson ISD to help children in mathematics and science. Jim spent his youth in Victoria, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas with a B.A. in mathematics, and received two masters in mathematics and operations research from branches of UT. He taught undergraduate mathematics at Texas State University in San Marcos. He worked as a mathematician in Dallas at Core Labs, and later as a management consultant in health care at various companies including Keane, B.D.O. Seidman, Artemis, and had his own consulting practice JESA & Associates. He lived for forty years with his wife of forty-four years in Richardson Texas. He resided briefly at Windsor Senior Living in Dallas Texas. Jim is survived by his wife Alicia Sparks, daughter Christine Sparks, grandson Toren Sparks-La Placa, step-brother Gary McKeithen, brother-in-law David Maxey, nephew David Maxey, nieces Sandra Edgar, Tracy Funari, sister-in-law Anne Price, nieces Allyson Price, Kathryn Price. Services will be held at First United Methodist Church in Richardson, 503 North Central Expressway in Richardson at 10 am on January 10th, 2014. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Dallas. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700