04/09/2026
James L. Sparks, of Trinity, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on April 6, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Born on February 6, 1940, to Edgar and Lela McKay Sparks of Trinity, Alabama, James lived a life marked by faith, devotion, hard work, and deep love for his family. He was a man who loved the Lord, loved life, and cherished every blessing God placed in his path.
James was the beloved husband of Beulah Faye Alberson Sparks, with whom he shared an extraordinary 68 years of marriage. Their love story was a beautiful testimony of faithfulness, commitment, and enduring love.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beulah Faye Sparks; his son, Mickey James Sparks of Mount Hope, Alabama; and his cherished grandchildren, Danielle Sparks of Moulton, Alabama, Hunter Sparks (Tiffany) of Moulton, Alabama, and Whitney Coan (Brett) of Trinity, Alabama.
He also leaves behind eight treasured great-grandchildren: Elgin Terry, EvyJane Terry, Emma Coan, Sawyer Coan, Trenton Coan, Maxus Coan, Legend Sparks, and Collins Sparks.
James was preceded in death by his father, Edgar “Ed” Sparks; his mother, Lela Sparks; his sisters, Gladys Sparks, Syble Wilbanks, Olean Sivley, Pauline Johnson, and Ethel Grissom; and his brothers, Lonnie Sparks and Thomas Sparks.
A retired pipefitter and welder, James dedicated his working years to BAMSI Construction at Redstone Arsenal and TVA. He was respected as a hard worker and a master of his craft. He had recently celebrated 45 years of service in the United Association of Pipefitters and Welders, serving faithfully in Union Local 366 of Bellefonte and Union Local 760 of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In a touching and bittersweet moment, the day after his passing, he received his certificate and 45-year pin honoring that remarkable achievement.
James found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. He loved his family, his church family, animals, and gardening. One of his favorite pastimes was horseback riding, and later in life he became well known for the joy he brought others through his infamous mule and buggy rides through the Bankhead Mountains near his cabin and along the backroads of Lawrence County near his home in Trinity. He was also an avid motorcycle rider, and even in his early eighties, he could still be seen out enjoying the road on his Harley-Davidson trike.
Above all, James will be remembered as a godly man with a kind heart, a strong work ethic, and a deep love for those around him. His life was a testimony to perseverance, humility, and unwavering faith in the Lord.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Enhabit Home Health and Enhabit Hospice for their personable, professional, and loving care and support during this difficult time. A special thank you is extended to Kay Grissom, his niece, Josh Sparks, his great-nephew, and Anthony Grissom, his nephew, for their help, love, and steadfast support. The family also wishes to thank everyone who has brought food, served meals, and shown kindness and care during this time of sorrow.
Funeral service for Mr. Sparks will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Parkway Funeral Home Chapel in Trinity, Alabama. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Midway Memorial Gardens.
Officiating will be Brother Matthew Jetton, Brother Josh Sparks, and Brother Randy Williams.
Pallbearers will be Jason Grissom, Talmadge NeSmith, Elgin Terry, DeWayne Johnson, Brett Coan, and Hunter Sparks. Honorary Pallbearer will be Justin Sparks.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in the comfort and promise of God’s Word, knowing that James’ faith has become sight. His family finds peace in knowing he is now at home with the Lord, healed and whole, and that one glorious day they will see him again.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
