James Leonard Sparks

James Leonard (Jim) Sparks, 88, of Denton, Texas, passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

He was born on March 22, 1936, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Leonard C. and Glada (Fugate) Sparks. He graduated from Wichita Falls Senior High School, Midwestern University in Wichita Falls with a BBA, and Southwestern Theological Seminary with an M.A. and M.DIV.

After seminary Jim was a Baptist Student Union director at Austin P. College and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee for 25 years. He then returned to Texas and was an individual and family counselor until his retirement. Jim loved working in the Stephen Ministry at Park Cities Baptist Church where he was a member for many years. He also worked with local churches as a counseling resource. After retirement he loved writing devotional thoughts and published them in his book "Reflect," which explored contemporary issues.

Jim is survived by his brother, Gene D. Sparks and wife Jerri of Denton, Texas, nephew, Joel Sparks, and nieces, Joy Schaffer, Julie Matz, and Ginger Drummond, 9 great nieces and nephews, and 2 great-great nieces.