Thomas J. "Jeff" Sparks

Born on December 9, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas to Wallie and Thomas Jefferson Sparks III, Jeff graduated from Judson Rural High School in 1962 and joined the United States Navy, serving for four years as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War.

Jeff married the love of his life, Linda, in 1971, beginning a partnership that would span more than five decades. Together they built a life and a family, raising their two sons, James (“Jeff”) and Tom, who remained a source of pride throughout Jeff's life.

Over the years, Jeff sold automobiles and quickly established himself as one of the best in the business. As a Volvo salesman, he ranked among the top ten in the world, an achievement that earned him a trip to Sweden and a dinner with King Carl XVI Gustaf. He later became a top salesman at Lawerence Marshall in Hempstead, and other dealerships. But those who knew Jeff joked that he was so good at everything he did that he never had to do anything full-time.

Jeff approached every pursuit with enthusiasm and a natural gift for mastering it. He spent decades competing at the highest levels of billiards and poker, earning a reputation as an exceptional player in both. He was a frequent competitor at the World Series of Poker and counted top finishes among his accomplishments. One of his favorite experiences was playing alongside actors Edward Norton and Matt Damon while they prepared for their roles in the 1998 film Rounders.

He was a scratch golfer, a master gardener, a gifted artist and woodworker, and a talented cook and griller whose barbecued ribs and sausage were the highlight of gatherings with family and friends. He was also an accomplished hunter and fisherman. A largemouth bass he caught on Lake Conroe held the lake record for 25 years.

Jeff never sought attention or accolades, but he collected them nonetheless. More importantly, he collected stories—stories that his family and friends will continue telling for years to come. He lived life on his own terms, pursuing what interested him, mastering what he loved, and sharing those passions with the people around him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Walter Sparks and his sister, Dorothy Collins (Mike).

He is survived by his loving wife Linda, sons James and Tom (Helen), grandsons Thomas and Liam, and many other family members and friends.

Jeff will be remembered not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he lived—with skill, determination, humor, and an appreciation for the joys of Texas living.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Houston on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 10:30AM. A private interment will be held in Latium, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeff’s memory to St. Cecilia Catholic School.