James Edison Sparks

JAMES EDISON SPARKS December 5, 1937 - July 16, 2016 James Sparks, beloved husband of Eleanor Jean Sparks for 53 years, left this world peacefully when his heart stopped beating on the morning of Saturday, July 16, 2016. He was 78. Jim was born in Seymour, IN to James Millard Sparks and Nola Naomi Sparks (Dunn) and was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Eleanor, daughter Julie Sparks, son Jay Sparks, and grandchildren Frank, Amelia, and Ray Schwarzkopf. He also resided in Indianapolis and was a Carmel, Indiana resident for 39 years. Jim attended college at Butler University, Indiana University, and Herron School of Art and graduated with a Masters in Fine Art and Education. A lifelong career as an art teacher followed, teaching and encouraging countless students with his love and expertise of art. Places of employment included the historic Indianapolis Children's Guardian Home, Shelby County Schools, Southwestern High School and grade schools, and in the Indianapolis Area: Northwest High School, North Central High School, and finally Carmel High School, retiring in 1995. Jim continued to be an active member of the arts community, pro...[more]

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ing artwork and exhibiting with the Watercolor Society of Indiana, the Hoosier Salon, and the Hamilton County Artist's Association (along with his wife). Jim was a self-taught drummer, beginning as a youth, and became a recognized musician in the Indianapolis area as a jazz drummer, performing at the Broadmoor County Club, in the Indy Jazz Community, as a member in the group Rio!, and in his living room with family. Another passion of Jim's was a life-long love of sports. He participated in football and baseball teams as a youth. As an adult, he coached children's soccer teams with the Carmel Dad's Club and enjoyed participating in softball, tennis, golf, and bowling, sharing in two league championships with his teammates. Jim was an outstanding husband, father, citizen, teacher, artist, musician, and athlete and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 24, 2016 from 12-2 PM followed by a service at 2:00 PM at Leppert Mortuary - Smith Carmel Chapel, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name will be received for, The Hamilton County Artist's Association(HCAA), 195 South Fifth Street, Noblesville, Indiana, 46060 and the ALS Association(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).