Jimmy Fred Sparks

Jimmy Fred Sparks laid down his working tools on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. He was born on August 4, 1945 to Leonard Sparks and Dolly Ford Sparks in Brownsville, Texas. Jimmy married the love of is life Penny Hodgkins on January 12, 1971. They have two children, Candace Holt of Carbon and Roscoe (Reesey) Sparks of Strawn.
Jimmy had many jobs such as concrete finisher with his brothers and dad. Jimmy ran the Texaco Service Station in the 70’s in Strawn, Texas. He worked for Mitchell Energy out of Houston until they sold to Devon and continued to work for there until he retired after 35 years. He then did consulting work for several companies until retiring with Shell.
He was a man that could build anything with his hands. He built his dream home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in his garage then hauled it to Colorado and put it together. He loved building things, working on the farm and was very talented skills. There was nothing he couldn’t build or make including two homes. He never looked at it as work but as something fun he could do with his hands.
His plan was to spend winters in Strawn and summers in Colorado which never happened because of sickness. It is our happy place. He loved Colorado and hunting elk with his friends. They had an outfitters group called High Country Outfitters that they guided people on hunting trips. One of the many highlights of his life. He loved horses and riding in the mountains.
He was a very strong 32 Mason Shriner of Scottish Rite, Fort Worth. Strawn Masonic Lodge AF:AM 906. He was a Gideon, Woodman of the World, Past Patron of Strawn OES361, Past deacon of the 1st Baptist Church, Member of Trinity Baptist Church, Strawn.
Jimmy Fred Sparks was a Christian. He had the strongest faith ever. All through the last two years of sickness he witnessed not only to sick ones, he witnessed to doctors, nurses and staff. He was never afraid to ask about their salvation. He had the biggest heart and would do anything to help others – always putting others above himself. He truly knew the meaning of God first, family second and others third. He not only believed what he said he practiced it everyday of his life. He was one that believed a hand shake was your word and your word was who you were. If he gave his word you could count on it.
He biggest love was his family. He loved his children and all his grandchildren beyond measure. Jimmy was also fortunate to hold his first great grandchild, Lorelai, watch her smile and laugh. He said, “what a true blessing from God she is.”
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Penny Sparks; children, Candy Holt and husband Paul Holt and Roscoe Sparks and wife Diana Sparks; grandchildren, Ryen Sparks, Rowdy Sparks, Rayna Sparks, Rayce Holt, Jacie Holt, Laci Holt and Trayce Holt; great grandchild, Lorelai Holloway; adopted grandkids, Timber Champagne, Tacey Elrod, Braden Roof, Hollie Baldwin, Jenisis Millsop, Keagin Holloway, Brooklynn Hobbs; good friends, Martin Flinn, Sandra Miller; brothers, Donald Sparks, Gary Sparks and wife Gay; sisters, Lavada Wainscott, Joyce Carpenter and husband Jerry; brother-in-law, Coppy Hodgkins and wife Lisa; several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Condolences for the family may be left at: www.edwards-funeral-homes.com .