James "Sparky" Sparks

On December 21, 2019, the world lost a great man. James Fred Sparks, age 78, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Memorial services are 3:00 PM, on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Ron Johnson officiating. Inurnment with military honors will be in the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. He was born on December 29, 1940 in Yankton, South Dakota to George and Elsie Sparks. He was known as Jim, James, Jimmy, or Sparky, but regardless of what name you called him, he was consistently known as a kind man of integrity who had a great sense of humor. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family, friends, or whomever needed it. Outside of his love for his wife of 54 years, Verna, and his daughters Sheryl and Christine, Jim was also known for his profound love for cars. He built them and he raced them (not professionally, just on the streets). Jim simply loved everything automotive. He touched so many lives and he will be missed dearly but the legend of Jim Sparks will continue on forever. In memory of Jim, lend a helping hand to your neighbors and do something good for someone else - do what Jim would do. Jim is survived by his wife, Verna Sparks of Yankton; two daughters, Sheryl (David) Martin of Gillette, WY and Christine (William) Hughes of St. Louis, MO; two grandchildren, Jordan Martin and Ewald Hughes; along with numerous extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters and three brothers. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to the ALS Association.