James David Thomas Sparkman, 75, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, surrounded by his family at his home in Broken Bow, OK.
James, known to many as “J.D.” was born June 2, 1945 to Henry
“Buddy” and Juanita Sparkman. Born and raised in McCurtain County, James grew up farming and ranching and never lost his love for raising cattle, horses and gardening. James was a true cowboy. Tough as nails. Never left home without his hat and always had a handkerchief in his pocket.
James married his wife, Sheila, May 3, 1983. Together they raised two daughters and he was a Papa to seven grandchildren. He enjoyed the holidays and loved spending time with his family and sharing stories of when he was a kid. He was a master at smoking ribs and brisket and always made sure no one left his home hungry.
James was known as a hard-working man. He could break a horse, build a pipe fence, or even frame a house. After retiring from Alcoa Aluminum Plant in Texarkana, Texas in 2009, he and Sheila returned to Broken Bow where he found himself missing employment. He took a job at Huber Engineered Woods where he kept their cranes in operating condition. At both of those jobs he earned great respect from coworkers and made life-long friends that he considered family.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Buddy and Juanita Sparkman; nephews, Dewain Everett and Dale Everett; and niece Lucretia Everett.
James leaves to cherish his memory, wife and best friend of thirty seven years, Sheila of Broken Bow; daughter, Sharla Hutchings and husband, Mike of Broken Bow, daughter, Cheryl Worley of Hot Springs, AR; sister, Gladys Sparkman and husband, Donald Bunn of Broken Bow; grandchildren, Blaze Horton, Ashley Thomas and husband, Joshua, Heath Horton, Bryson Horton, Jake Martin, Hunter Hutchings, and Haley Hutchings; great-grandchildren, Liam and Greyson Thomas; mother-in-law, Ruth McCoy of Broken Bow; brother-in-law, Tyson McCoy and wife, Cathy of Sanford, NC; niece, Heather Wicker and Nephew, Kip McCoy both of Sanford, NC, niece, Carol Everett; great nephew, Bo Everett and great-niece, LaDonna Everett ; a host of other relatives and many special friends.
A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Denison Cemetery, Idabel, OK with Pastor Greg Parnell and Dr. Bob Daniel officiating.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 Friday evening, September 4, 2020 at Bunch-Singleton Funeral Home, Broken Bow, OK.
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