John David “Jay” Sparks, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2024 with his family by his side. He was born in Kenvir, KY, on June 29, 1930, to Roscoe and Sudie (Napier) Sparks. At the age of 13, his family relocated to Cincinnati, where Jay began working at 15 to help support his family. At the age of 18, Jay married and became a devoted father to two sons, John D. Sparks II (who passed away on February 14, 2024) and Paul Edward Sparks. He was proud of both of his sons and loved their wives; Henrietta (preceded) and Becky, with all his heart.Jay was a loving husband to Carolyn L. (Taylor) Sparks, his wife of 44 years. He was a loving grandfather to Stacey Sparks-Huff (Joe), Jocelyn Cates (Joe), and Scott Sparks (Jenna). His adored great-grandchildren: Zoe Sparks, Avery Clarkston, Abigail Robinson, Joey Huff, Jade Huff, Everleigh Cates, Violet Sparks and great-great granddaughter, Berklee. Jay is survived by his sister-in-law’s Inez Sparks and Pam Taylor, his brother-in-law’s, Dean Taylor (Monica), Robert Faris, Jr and Kenny Kirk (Vicki). Many nieces and nephews. He’ll also be missed and lovingly remembered by his special adopted grandchildren, the Baden girls, Erica, Tricia, and Nicole and Danielle Henson. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Sudie Sparks, his brother and sister, Mary Nichols & Charles Sparks as well as his mother-in-law, Geraldine & father-in-law, Robert J Faris, Sr and sister-in-law, Brenda Faris, brother-in-law’s, Robert L. Taylor, Jr. and Jack Nichols and niece, Melissa Faris. Jay’s life was rooted in family and faith. Born at Camp No. 1 in Harlan, KY, his parents moved the family to Cincinnati to provide more opportunities for their children. At just 15, Jay went to work to support his mother and siblings, exemplifying his dedication to family. He worked as a Senior Service Engineer for The Cincinnati Gilbert Machine Tool Company for 41½ years, traveling across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, installing and repairing their machinery. Jay and Lyn cherished time spent with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, particularly at their campsite in Liberty, IN, and at Brookville Lake. Together, they also led a Senior Ministry at Belle Towers and a 25-year Nursing Home Ministry at Butler County Care Facility in Hamilton, OH, alongside Rev. Golden Brock, Rev. Elby Harrison, Rev. Josh Eads, Art Solomon, Ricky Robertson, plus Candie and Bobby Whitaker’s musicians. Jay was a dedicated usher at Princeton Pike Church of God (PPCOG) since 1996 and sang in the Senior Adult Choir. Jay and Lyn loved traveling with family and friends from church. His humor and wit made him the life of any gathering, and his ability to make others laugh was unmatched. Jay never met a stranger, and his warm smile will be missed by all who knew him. An avid bowler, Jay won “All Events” in a Steelworkers tournament in Indianapolis, IN, in 1995, with a 9-game average of 234. In 2009, he was honored as the Southern Ohio Church of God Layperson of the Year for his Nursing Home Ministry. He also served as President of the LAFF Bowling League at PPCOG for seven years. Jay was surrounded by love from his many friends, including Doug, Mike, Cabe, and Marshall for their special outings; Rick Sims and cousin Delmar for visits and support; Adelene, Bud & Linda, Melissa & Dave, Ella & Ronnie for fun lunches after church, Greg & Renee and Bev and Gene for their visits during his illness, Helen Arnold, Fred & Billie Napier for all the prayers; and his many bowling friends especially Bev & Gene and church friends. His neighbors, Ellen for all your love and support; and Janet, Butch, Hershel & Danielle, Peanut & Crystal, Fred, Mike, Randy, Rich, Tommy, Charlie (preceded), Bobby, Richard, Steve, Jeff, Cabe, Ronnie, Dean, Gus, and Evan for all your help. You all cared for Jay, Lyn, and their home through countless hospital stays. Your kindness will never be forgotten.The family extends special thanks to Pastor Jake and Sister Barb for their continuous support and prayers.In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Princeton Pike Church of God to establish a scholarship in Jay’s memory for a high school graduate in 2025. This scholarship honors Jay, who selflessly quit school to help raise his siblings. A celebration of Jay's life will be held at Princeton Pike Church of God 6101 Princeton Glendale Road on Monday October 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Jake Jacobs officiating. Burial to follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Webster Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. www.websterfuneralhomes.com
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