James Nelson Sparks

James N. "Jim" Sparks, 76, of Crooksville, Ohio passed away at 5:30 PM, Friday, August 5, 2011 surrounded by his loving family at his son, Jim's residence following an extended illness.

Jim was born May 3, 1935 in Deavertown, the son of the late James Melvin and Sarah Garris Sparks.

Mr. Sparks retired after 43 years at the Cesco Plant of Ferro Corporation in Crooksville. He attended Rosefarm Church of Christ.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ashley Sparks; his children, Cheryl and Tom Hitchcock of Zanesville, Tina and John Loomis, James & Renee Sparks and Chris and Kellie Sparks, all of Crooksville; his sisters, Dorris Hogue of Zanesville, Irene(Kenneth) Jadwin of Bearfield, and JoAnn Wilson of Duncan Falls; his brother, Arnold Sparks of Crooksville; his grandchildren, Angie(Bryan) Watts, Lisa(Rick)Fulkerson, Kristi(Chad) Smith, Kellie(Steven) Myers, MaryAnn(Tom) Snyder, Christopher Sparks and Caden Sparks; his great grandchildren, Mariah Watts, Nick Watts, Hanna Fulkerson, Mylie Fulkerson, Sean Snyder, Calvin Snyder, Kami Loomis, Kalin Myers and Sydney Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Georgie Edgell, Janie Ault and Mary Galliway and his brother, Steral Sparks.

The Sparks family will receive visitors 4-8 PM, Monday, August 8 at GOEBEL FUNERAL HOME, 36 N. BUCKEYE ST., CROOKSVILLE. Funeral services and a celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 9 with Pastor Richard Young officiating. Burial will follow in Iliff Cemetery, McLuney.

Memorial contributions may be made to Genesis Hospice and Palliative Care, 713 Forest Ave., Zanesville, Ohio 43701. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

You may read the obituary, sign the Online Register Book and share a special memory with the family at www.goebelfuneralhome.com