Jimmy Owens Sparrow

Jimmy Owens Sparrow, 72, of Muskogee, was born January 19, 1951, in Tahlequah, OK to Everett and Lucy (Smith) Sparrow and peacefully passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Hospital in Muskogee with his loving family by his side. Jimmy’s younger years were spent in Tahlequah and later moved to Lorraine, OH and lived with his sister, Katie and her family. He graduated from Lorraine High School and worked for Ford Motor Company while continuing his education in college. Jimmy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 5, 1970, in Cleveland, OH serving during Vietnam, and received an honorable discharge on May 24, 1972, in Kansas City, MO. On February 4, 1994, Jimmy married his love and best friend, Kathryn (Kathy) Becker, in Eureka Springs, AR and made their home in Muskogee. Jimmy went to work at Corning Glass until they closed. He started his career with the Veterans Administration, serving in many capacities from the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, mailroom at the VA, and finally as Lead Dispatcher for the VA Police. Jimmy spent a total of 27 plus years working at the VA. Jimmy enjoyed classic cars, fishing, all animals, riding motorcycles in his younger years, traveling, but spending quality time with his family was his greatest love. He was a proud member of the Cherokee Nation and being a part of the Wolf Clan. His love and devotion to his family was evident in everything he did. He is loved and will be missed by many. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Smith; sisters, Maggie Smith Flynn and Katie Smith Dickson; and his Granny Owens that raised Jim from birth until her passing when Jim was eight or nine years old. He loved her dearly. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathryn of the home; son, Kevin Sparrow and wife Sara of Muskogee, OK; daughter, Jennie Salgado and husband David of Muskogee, OK; step-daughter, Sarah Young of Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Dove Few and husband Kyle of Broken Arrow, OK; Esme Salgado of Muskogee, OK; Giovanni Salgado of Muskogee, OK; Avrey Sparrow and partner Jordan Thomas of Muskogee, OK; Gage Sparrow and wife Sierra of Muskogee, OK; Paige Sparrow of Anderson MO; Joshua Sparrow and wife Terin of Warner, OK; Jose Salgado of Muskogee, OK; Uriel Salgado of Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico; sister, Julie Cobb and husband Glenn of Muskogee, OK; brother, E (Big Boy) Sparrow of Muskogee, OK; special friend, Lynda Hill; special pets, Gizzy, Jax, Chloe, and Chester; extended family and many friends. A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held 10AM Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery Pavilion with Brother Justin Kinman officiating. Full military honors will be observed. In lieu of flowers, Jimmy’s family request memorial contributions in Jimmy’s name to PAWS, 4321 E Hayes Street, Muskogee, OK 74403, or Fur Babies, 2913 Azalea Park Drive, Muskogee, OK 74401/www.furbabiesadoptions.org, or Coins 4 Critters, PO Box 143, Muskogee, OK 74402. The family of Jimmy Owens Sparrow has entrusted his care, cremation, and service to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home and Crematory, Muskogee, OK. 918-910-8883. Online condolences may be left for Jimmy’s family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Jimmy Owens Sparrow

January 19, 1951 - June 6, 2023