Thomas James Sparkman passed away March 28, 2019 at the age of 81. James was born August 18, 1937, in Sweetwater, Texas to the late Thomas Jackson and Lena Wright (Ellis) Sparkman.

He is survived by his children, Darlynn Horn (Jerry) of Goliad, Thomas James Sparkman Jr. (Dana) of Wharton, and Scotty Jackson Sparkman (Irene) of Goliad; his grandchildren, Karen Arnt, Sheila Kowalewski (Jason), Rusty Hohlt (Jason), Johnathan Bairrington, Jody Price (Lee), Thomas J. Sparkman III (Kayci), Scott Sparkman, Shelby Sparkman, Emma Brown (Taylor) and Kaylee Sparkman; and eleven great-grandchildren.

In 1994, James retired to spend time down at the bay house in Sargent, Texas fishing and entertaining friends. He also enjoyed making custom knives, ink pens, and fishing rods for his children, grandchildren, and friends.

James is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Lou Grisham Sparkman; daughter, Diann Valenta; granddaughter, Jaime Bairrington; sister, Wilma Brown; and his parents, Reverend Thomas Jackson and Lena Wright Sparkman.

Graveside funeral services were held Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 3:00 PM at the Rock Bluff Cemetery in the Rock Bluff Community.

Pallbearers for the service included Thomas James Sparkman Jr., Scotty Jackson Sparkman, Jerry Joe Horn, Thomas James Sparkman III (Trey), Jason Hohlt, Lee Price, Taylor Brown, and Jason Kowalewski.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Rock Bluff Cemetery Association, 840 Burleson, De Leon, Texas 76444.