James Embry Sparks

Funeral: 2 p.m. Tuesday at Christian-Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Boyd with burial in Aurora Cemetery. Viewing: 2-9 p.m. Monday.

James was born July 29, 1920 to Jim and Omie (Lewis) Sparks in Rhome Texas. He graduated from Rhome High School in 1938 and was attending Decatur Baptist College while he served in the National Guard Cavalry when Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941. James was among the first deployed in World War II and was among the last to come home on November 5, 1945. He served four years in the Marksmen Task Force as a Corporal in the 124 Cavalry in central Burma and India to secure and hold the Burma Road, a major Japanese supply line. In keeping with those called the Greatest Generation, James loved his country and loved his family, and he lived in dedication of both throughout his life.

James married Nancy Pearl Erwin on January 2, 1946 in Weatherford, Texas. She preceded him in death after 63 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his sister, Lucy Maude Baker.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his daughters, Janie Sparks Marino Hansen and husband Jens, and Carol Sparks Kite and husband Sam, both of Fort Worth; granddaughters, Kelly Ann Marino, Jennifer Kite Gillespie and Julie Kite; sister-in-law, Ruth Erwin Waits; other relatives and a host of friends.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Christian-Hawkins Funeral Home, Boyd, Texas 940-433-5310