James Sparks Obituary

James Ralph Sparks

March 28, 1935 - February 18, 2024

Reston, Virginia - James Sparks died peacefully at his home with his daughter Robin Sparks (Reston, VA) at his side after a brief period of declining health. Jim (known as Ralph to his family and known as Sparky to many of his work buddies) was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Myrna Sparks (2008), as well as his parents (Earl and Virginia Sparks) and his brothers (Earl Jr. "Bud" and Kenneth Sparks). In addition to his daughter, Jim is survived by treasured friends and extended family members he loved dearly.

Jim was born and raised in Sacramento near Tahoe Park and was proud to call it his hometown, even after he'd moved to Virginia in 2017 to live across the street from Robin. After serving in the Air Force in Korea, Jim studied to become a journeyman electrician and was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 340 in Sacramento. His more than 20 years of work on both commercial and residential projects included the Rancho Seco nuclear plant, the first Macy's and Weinstock's department stores in Sacramento, and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System in 1976, tapping into his lifelong fascination with Alaska. Jim then went on to work as a maintenance electrician with the Elk Grove Unified School District in 1981, retiring in 1998. One of his favorite parts of that job was helping to ensure classrooms were in top shape so teachers would have what they needed every day.

Jim was an avid reader with a wealth of knowledge about multiple periods in history, particularly World War II. He enjoyed fishing, panning for gold, watching and caring for the birds that visited his feeder, and admiring the deer that would pass through his backyard in Virginia. He believed in being a good neighbor and was always willing to help a friend. During his wife Myrna's many years of active involvement with organizations like the Senior Center of Elk Grove and the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce, Jim loved to do his part with event set up/clean up or by making pots of his semi-famous chili beans. He is greatly missed and will be remembered for enjoying a good story and for his great sense of humor, which was almost always accompanied by a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Interment will be private in the Elk Grove Cemetery in June. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation (c/o Jim and Myrna Sparks Family Scholarship). Arrangements through Adams-Green Funeral Home (Herndon, VA) and Herberger Family Elk Grove Funeral Chapel.