James C. Sparr

James “Jim” Carl Sparr, 90, of Lawton passed into God's Kingdom on Wednesday, April 5th at Mercy One Hospital in Sioux City with his wife by his side.

Arrangements are being handled by Christy Smith Funeral Home, Morningside Chapel, in Sioux City. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Jim was born on August 6th, 1932, in Grandmother Blanch Couch's home in Lawton and was the second child of Julius and Georgian (Couch) Sparr. He grew up in Lawton, was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, and attended school in Lawton. Upon graduation he joined the Army. He served from 1952 - 1954 and had been deployed to Korea.

On August 9th, 1958, Jim married his wife, Gail (McKenna) Sparr and shared nearly 65 years of a loving marriage. They had two children, Jeff C. Sparr and Sandra K. Howard.

Jim bought his first piece of land in Lawton when he and Gail married. He was a very skilled, self-taught carpenter and built many homes in Lawton and the surrounding area. His skills included every aspect of the building process. He did not subcontract any part of the construction build and employed and mentored many young men in Lawton in the construction trade. Many went on to be their own boss in some form of construction. Jim enjoyed building homes, being with family, boating, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, tinkering in his buildings, and just hanging out in his backyard.

Jim was loved and adored by all of his grandchildren; Justin, Jamie, Jessica, Kylene, and Allison.

He is survived by his wife, his son and daughter-in-law, his daughter and son-in-law, 5 grandkids, 2 great granddaughter's, one soon-to-be born great grandson, his sister, as well as many other close family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, and brother.

Please address memorials to the Alzheimer's Association of Siouxland.