James "Sparky" Raymond Sparks

James Raymond “Sparky” Sparks, 77, of Hickory, died on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in his home. He was born on December 14, 1941, in Washington, a son of the late Everett Devore and Elizabeth Cecelia Findley Sparks. James was a graduate of Claysville High School. He was a member of the United States Army Reserves, having served with the 429 Engineering Batallion. Mr. Sparks worked for more than twenty years at Jessop Steel. A Civil War buff, James loved spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed traveling, especially to Kiawah Island. Mr. Sparks played with the Washington Generals football team, and played with and coached industrial league softball. On April 24, 1968, he married Linda Shumaker, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Kelley Jo Sparks, of Washington, and Jami Lynn (Vincent) Volk, of Houston, PA; two grandchildren, Kaitlyn Renee O’Bryon, and Connor James Allen; and two great grandchildren, Rylee Ann and Dakota Paige. At the request of the deceased, all services were private.