James LeRoy Sparks

April 4, 1956 – October 3, 2026

James “Jim” LeRoy Sparks, age 70, passed away on October 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on April 4, 1956, in Provo, Utah, to Robert LeRoy Sparks and Inez Ruth (Pectol) Sparks. He grew up alongside his brothers, Doyle and Wade Sparks, and his sister, Collette (Sparks) Allen.

On June 22, 1974, Jim married the love of his life, Cheryl Ann (Reynolds) Sparks, in the Manti Utah Temple, after meeting on a blind date. Together, Jim and Cheryl shared more than 52 years of marriage and built a life centered around faith, family, love, and plenty of laughter.

They were blessed with four children: Brad Sparks and his wife, Niloo; Julie (Sparks) Poyurs and her husband, Shane; Shannon (Sparks) Major and her husband, Mark; and Kara (Sparks) Larkin and her husband, Keith. Jim was also a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren. His family was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Jim learned the value of hard work at an early age. At just 14 years old, he began working at a small mom-and-pop grocery store in Iona, Idaho. His career later included working as a manager for Albertsons Grocery and Food Lion. Combining his strong work ethic with his lifelong love of cars, Jim spent 28 years working as a Fleet Director in car sales. He also worked in his family’s janitorial business. He finished his working years as a custodian at Highland Junior High School.

Because of his love of cars. During the first few years of his marriage, he bought a new car about every six months. He especially loved Corvettes, enjoyed being part of a Corvette club, and had a special place in his heart for his Super Sport Chevelle.

When he wasn't thinking about cars, Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, and attending sporting events. His love of sports started at a young age. As a boy, he played Little League alongside his brother Doyle, who, as the family story goes, was the better player. Jim also played baseball, volleyball, and spent several years in a bowling league.

Jim loved playing cards with family and friends. He enjoyed the fun, the competition, and most of all, the time spent together, although anyone who played with him knew he could be a bit of a sore loser. Those card games, along with the laughter and friendly competition that came with them, created many treasured family memories.

Jim had a strong testimony of the gospel and faithfully served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the years, he served as Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Executive Secretary, High Councilor, and in Primary and Young Men. He especially loved working with children and youth. As a Ward Mission Leader, Jim had the opportunity to oversee 17 convert baptisms, a reflection of his dedication to his faith and his desire to serve others.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert LeRoy and Inez Ruth Sparks, his brother, Doyle Sparks and his niece Tiffani Sparks.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl; his four children and their spouses, Brad and Niloo Sparks, Julie and Shane Poyurs, Shannon and Mark Major, and Kara and Keith Larkin; his 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Wade Sparks; his sister, Collette (Sparks)Allen; and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, service, laughter, and love. His family will remember his love of cars, camping and fishing trips, sporting events, competitive card games, and all the ordinary moments that became extraordinary simply because they were spent together.

More than anything, Jim will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. His life touched generations, and the memories, lessons, laughter, and love he gave his family will continue long after his passing.

Family and friends are invited to gather together to remember Jim, celebrate his life, and honor the wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend he was.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.