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September 16, 2010
Services
Memorial visitation hours will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2-4, 6-8 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, September 20, 2010 at the Jacksonville Chapel, 264 Jacksonville Road, Lincoln Park.
Major James C. Sparks, Jr age 85 of Wayne.
Jim was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He moved to Wayne 40 years ago.
During his military career he flew 35 missions over Germany. He also was involved in the Berlin Airlift. His military career included nine years of service in the Pentagon and his last assignment brought him to New York City where he served with the Office of Information for the United States Air Force.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1967, Jim became Public Relations Director for Boeing Aircraft in New York City. Before retirement Jim was account executive for Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom television show.
Jim authored nine books and was the voice for Diver Dan.
Jim was a kind and gentle man, always ready to help when called upon. Neighbors brought their lawnmowers and various electrical gadgets over and he was always happy to oblige.
He never indulged in petty gossip and found excuses for everyone’s faults.
Jim loved his country and cherished the years he spent defending it. He travelled in many circles and was at ease in any of them. Jim socialized with people of accomplishment and they valued his friendship. He had great admiration for and enjoyed a close friendship with columnist Bob Considine, restaurateur Toots Shor and WWII hero Jimmy Doolittle, all great Americans.
He served as technical consultant on the movie “The War Lover” starring Steve McQueen. Some of Jim’s most exciting assignments included trips with the Wild Kingdom TV show where Jim would be in the famous ” green room” on the Johnny Carson show.
Jim worked closely with NASA at the inception of the space program to put a man on the moon, which led to Jim writing several books about travel in space.
He marveled at his good fortune to be associated with such memorable projects.
Jim married Ruth Patrick in 1974 at West Point. They have enjoyed a loving and caring marriage.
Jim was a loving husband to Ruth and a devoted father to his three sons, Kelly, Mike and Patrick.
He was a beloved stepfather to Kristen Pacilio, Stephen Skaflestad and Jamie Longo.
He had 3 grandchildren, Jessica, Nate and Michael and one great grandchild Voss Durenberger. He was dearly loved and respected by his step grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hope for a Thousand Hills, PO Box 1384, Wayne NJ 07474-1384, would be appreciated.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Memorial visitation hours will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2-4, 6-8 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, September 20, 2010 at the Jacksonville Chapel, 264 Jacksonville Road, Lincoln Park.
September 16, 2010
Services
Memorial visitation hours will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from 2-4, 6-8 PM at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne.
A memorial service will be held 10:30 AM on Monday, September 20, 2010 at the Jacksonville Chapel, 264 Jacksonville Road, Lincoln Park.
Major James C. Sparks, Jr age 85 of Wayne.
Jim was born in Birmingham, Alabama. He moved to Wayne 40 years ago.
During his military career he flew 35 missions over Germany. He also was involved in the Berlin Airlift. His military career included nine years of service in the Pentagon and his last assignment brought him to New York City where he served with the Office of Information for the United States Air Force.
After retiring from the Air Force in 1967, Jim became Public Relations Director for Boeing Aircraft in New York City. Before retirement Jim was account executive for Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom television show.
Jim authored nine books and was the voice for Diver Dan.
Jim was a kind and gentle man, always ready to help when called upon. Neighbors brought their lawnmowers and various electrical gadgets over and he was always happy to oblige.
He never indulged in petty gossip and found excuses for everyone’s faults.
Jim loved his country and cherished the years he spent defending it. He travelled in many circles and was at ease in any of them. Jim socialized with people of accomplishment and they valued his friendship. He had great admiration for and enjoyed a close friendship with columnist Bob Considine, restaurateur Toots Shor and WWII hero Jimmy Doolittle, all great Americans.
He served as technical consultant on the movie “The War Lover” starring Steve McQueen. Some of Jim’s most exciting assignments included trips with the Wild Kingdom TV show where Jim would be in the famous ” green room” on the Johnny Carson show.
Jim worked closely with NASA at the inception of the space program to put a man on the moon, which led to Jim writing several books about travel in space.
He marveled at his good fortune to be associated with such memorable projects.
Jim married Ruth Patrick in 1974 at West Point. They have enjoyed a loving and caring marriage.
Jim was a loving husband to Ruth and a devoted father to his three sons, Kelly, Mike and Patrick.
He was a beloved stepfather to Kristen Pacilio, Stephen Skaflestad and Jamie Longo.
He had 3 grandchildren, Jessica, Nate and Michael and one great grandchild Voss Durenberger. He was dearly loved and respected by his step grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hope for a Thousand Hills, PO Box 1384, Wayne NJ 07474-1384, would be appreciated.
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