James Edmund Sparkowski, 87, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 at his home in Simsbury, Connecticut, due to complications from ALS. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth (Ierna), his children, Edward, Susan Hurley, Jason, and Mary-Jo Duffy (Matt), grandchildren Sarah, Erik, Luke, Griffin and Gavin. He was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catherine of Siena Church. He served in the 1st Marine Division at the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean Conflict. He enjoyed playing golf, ran a few marathons, and was an avid gardener who was obsessed with his lawn.

There are no calling hours. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 10th at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road in West Simsbury. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations sent to St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 265 Stratton Brook Road, West Simsbury, CT 06092 or to the West Haven VA Voluntary Services, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, memo line: Neurology ALS. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit his Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.