Obituary of James Winfield Sparling

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James Winfield Sparling was born March 8, 1957, in Hollister, California, at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, on September 8, 2021, age 64.  

Jim is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hawkins Sparling.  He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ann Troughton Sparling; his children Jimmi (Kaley), Jennie, Kenny and Courtney; six beloved grandchildren:  Jaidyn, Madison, Jack, Paxton, Cylar, and Charlee; and his mother, Bonita Beer Sparling Houser, Stepfather Dean Houser; siblings: Tom (Dorothy), Cindy (Wes), Steve and step-brothers Lonnie (Carla) and Mike (Traycie) Houser and numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored and loved dearly.

Jim spent his childhood in Hollister, California where he graduated from San Benito Joint Union High School.  He earned the rank of Eagle Scout.  He then attended and graduated from the University of Utah, majoring in Recreation Management, a subject very well suited for his happy and adventurous nature.  He lived with a song in his heart and a whistle on his lips. He laughed often and had a gift for making others laugh with his quick wit and clever humor. Jim marked his life, and the lives of those around him, with extreme optimism right up to the very end.

Jim was a larger-than-life adventurer and thrill seeker.  He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and river guide.  He loved motorcycling and snowmobiling.  At the age of 54, he decided to take his adventures to the skies, not only earning a private pilot license, but a commercial pilot license as well.  He greatly enjoyed flying his own private plane between the places that were near and dear to his heart.

Above all, Jim was a family man. He married Cynthia Ann Troughton on April 9, 1983. They shared 38 wonderful years together and raised their four children. He had a unique relationship with each of his children and left them with an enduring legacy. He was an adored “papa” to six grandchildren.  His favorite thing to do was spoil his grandchildren and take them on countless adventures.  

Jim prided himself on being a man of principle.  He had a remarkable memory and could recite page after page, verbatim, from books and stories that were meaningful to him.  He believed that success in life and in business was no accident, but the result of worthy goals, good planning, and hard work. He worked hard and he played hard. He provided for his family with his characteristic creativity and enthusiasm. At the time of his passing, he was the founder and co-owner of a highly successful family run internet business.

Jim was an active member of his church and a lover of his country.

One of the things of which Jim was most proud was his 26 years of sobriety, practicing all 12 steps every day of his life.  He was a pillar in the AA community, saving hundreds of lives through countless hours of sponsoring others in their journeys toward sobriety.  His mantra: “Thank you God for this priceless gift of a new day.”

Jim lived with enthusiasm and his passion for life was contagious. He was a huge spirit and a force to be reckoned with. His life, love and lessons are etched into the cells of his family. We have all been loved, stretched and challenged by Jim - to this very moment. We are all bigger, better and fuller for having him in our lives. His final gift was his gratitude for life and finding peace with his transition to the next life, saying, “I’m excited to see the white room,” where he knew he would find his next great adventure.  

Funeral Services will be September 17, 2021 in the LDS Chapel at 700 West State St. in Eagle, Idaho at 11 a.m. The service will also be available to attend on zoom, through Summers Funeral Home, the link is provided at their website.

Prior to the service, the family will receive visitation at the church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

After the service, a graveside service and internment will be at Dry Creek Cemetery 9600 W. Hill Road Boise, ID 83714, beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Flowers may be sent to Summers Funeral Home 3629 Ustick Road, Meridian, Idaho, 83646, through Thursday, September 16.  On Friday morning, please send flowers to the church.