James Lester Sparbel

James Lester Sparbel, 75, of Davenport, IA passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at his home after an extended illness. Per his wishes, he will be cremated. In lieu of funeral services, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 4-8 pm at Hickory Creek Event Center, 3504 Hickory Grove Rd, Davenport. Memorials may be made to support a scholarship being established in Jim’s honor with the Davenport Schools Foundation.

James was born in Davenport, IA on December 29, 1949, to parents Charles and Marilyn Sparbel. Except for 6 months when his father was called to active duty in Oklahoma during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Jim lived in west Davenport. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1968, served in the Army Reserves, and graduated from Marycrest College in 1973 with a major in History, Education, and minor in Sociology. He spent 15 years as a Construction Inspector for the City of Davenport before returning to graduate school through Western Illinois University and St. Ambrose College to become certified in Special Education. Jim taught special education in Behavioral Disorders for the Davenport Community School District, retiring in 2006 after over 15 years of service.

On June 10, 1978, he was united in marriage to Kathleen Hansen in Ohio, IL. They were blessed with one son and two daughters during their 47-year marriage. He loved music of all kinds (particularly classical), baseball (White Sox fan), QC Mallards, playing Strat-o-matic baseball, fishing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, playing softball, volleyball and golf, trivia, history, political debate, children, social justice, gardening, reading, and birdwatching. He took an active interest in other people’s journeys- especially if they came from other places and appreciated the richness and humanity their perspectives added to our collective lives. Jim advocated for the students he had in special education, many who came from unimaginably difficult circumstances, and understood them in a way that was rare. He was foremost an educator and believed in the importance of a strong and good education, both for personal fulfillment and as foundational for a healthy democracy. He loved traveling to Vienna, meeting people from different cultures/places, and enjoying his Austrian family. He was a lifelong learner and in later years took German classes while visiting Vienna.

James is survived by his wife, Kathleen Sparbel; two daughters and son-in-laws, Kristin Sparbel (Ben Franks) of Davenport and Theresa Sparbel Schuetzl (Philipp Schuetzl) and grandson, Michael of Vienna, Austria; brother Loren of Davenport; multiple brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He felt his greatest achievement was his two daughters, who he adored.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marilyn, and son, Johnathan Sparbel. The family would like to thank the village of health care professionals who cared for Jim over the past several years, including Dr. Todd Wenck and staff, Dr. Suzanne Friemel and staff, University of Iowa, Good Samaritan and Genesis (including VNA, Palliative Care and Hospice).