James Richard Sparks

James Richard Sparks, 84, passed away at his daughter's home in Perry on Monday, June 2, 2014.

Mr. Sparks was born in South Bend, Indiana to the late Justin and Ruth Sparks on August 8, 1929. He was a 1947 graduate of Peru High School and 1952 graduate of Indiana University. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Dixie Lee Dean of Oak Brook, Illinois.

James proudly served in the United States Air Force as a pilot obtaining the rank of Major and retired from the United States Department of Agriculture as Southeastern Director. He was also a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

He lived life to the fullest enjoying many hobbies with his family including: golfing, boating, camping, music and motorcycling. At the age of eighty-four, Mr. Sparks was still riding on his own bike with his friends and family. Of all his accomplishments in his life, he was the most proud of his four girls, Kim, Pam, Tori and Val.

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Lee Dean Sparks; parents; and brother, Charles Sparks.

His memory will forever be treasured by his daughters, Kimberly A. Hathcock (Bill) and Pamela D. Smith (David), both of Perry, Georgia, Victoria L. Gross (Bruce) and Valerie A. Lauria (Anthony), both of Lakeland, Florida; four grandchildren, Heath R. Hathcock (Jena) of Rincon, Georgia, Michael D. Roberts (Jessica) and Heather N. Marsh (Jeromy), both of Perry, Georgia, and Jamie L. Lauria of Lakeland, Florida; great-grandchildren, Holt R. Hathcock, Pressley N. Marsh, Vann M. Marsh, Olivia D. Hathcock, and due to be born in September 2014, Reid R. Roberts of Perry, Georgia; nephews, Martin Sparks of The Villages, Florida and Ray Isenbarger III of Englewood, Florida; and nieces, Janice Hoven of The Villages, Florida and Bonnie Hartnell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In following James' wishes, no formal services will be held.


Funeral Home:
McCullough Funeral Home
417 S. Houston Lake Rd.
Warner Robins, GA
US 31088