Sparks, James "Jim" E.
Obituary
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
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I am so sad to hear about Jim. He was truly a kind and gentle man. I am glad to have known each of you and you have my most sincere sympathy for your loss.
We remember Jim as a kind and gentle man to his wife, Alicia.
As a loving and doting father to their daughter, Christine.
We express our sincere sorrow for
their loss.
Alicia,
I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. I haven’t been up-to-date with our group from AAUW and didn’t know that he suffered from Alsheimer’s. This must have been difficult for all of his family. My sympathy to you on the loss of your devoted mate of 44 years.
Love and prayers,
Yvonne Fritz
We are so sorry at Jim’s passing. He was truly a gentle sole and a friend to all those who worked with him. It was a please to have known him.
We understand how difficult these times are for those left behind and pray you will find solace in the lives and the quality of life you shared.
Alicia,
Jody and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We, like everyone with which he came contact, had enormous respect for Jim. His personality was a reflection of his kind and gentle nature, and made him a pleasure to be around. He will be greatly missed.
We are all very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim was a great father and husband. Very sorry for your loss.