Monette- James Leon Sparkman Sr., 88, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 at his home.

He was born November 16, 1928 in Jonesboro to the late Louis Cleave and Nobie Claire Rutledge Sparkman. James served his country proudly in the United States Navy and retired after twenty years, he served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the Monette American Legion. Mr. Sparkman was a member of the Rowes Chapel Baptist Church.

He will be dearly missed by a daughter, Carolyn Belmer of Caraway; a son and his wife, Jerry and Velenda Sparkman of Monette; six grandchildren, JJ Sparkman of Caraway, Nicholas Allen Sparkman of Monette, Melissa Belmer of San Diego, CA and Jamie Lynn Sparkman; a great-granddaughter, Aimy Leeann Sparkman;

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Helen Sparkman and a son, James Sparkman Jr.

A celebration of his life will be 10:00 am Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at the Rowes Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Glen Hoselton officiating. Interment will follow at Monette Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Monette with military honors.

Visitation will be 6:00 until 8:00 pm Monday, May 22, 2017 at the Gregg Funeral Home in Monette.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jerry Sparkman Jr., Nicholas Allen Sparkman, Rickey Sparkman, Garey Sparkman, Jackie Sparkman and Jonathan Smithee.