JOSEPH JAMES SPARR, known as "Big Jim", age 76 years, of White Hall, MD died on Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. He was the husband of Margaret C. (Tucholka) Sparr with whom he had shared 57 years of marriage.

Born on September 3, 1935 in Baltimore County, MD, he was a son of the late Leroy Adam and Anna Maria (Rassa) Sparr. He was a veteran of the US Army serving from 1953 to 1955. Mr. Sparr had lived in Harford County for the past 40 years, a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Parish, and retired as a Foreman for the H.A. Harris Company, located in Towson, MD. He also had worked as a general contractor for Sparr Building Company.

A pilot, he enjoyed flying his planes in his earlier years. His hobby was building large, finely detailed model boats, airplanes and helicopters, just one model taking months to complete.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by:

Four children-

Joel R. Sparr of Lutz, FL

Sharon Deborah Sparr of Baltimore, MD

Mary Ann Smith of Jarrettsville, MD

Melody L. Sparr of White Hall, MD

Eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren

Three brothers-

Leroy Sparr and Terry Sparr, both of Eastern Shore, MD

Donald Sparr of Bel Air, MD

He was preceded in death by his son, Joseph James "Jay" Sparr, Jr. on November 23, 1993, a brother, Thomas Sparr and sister, Margaret Mary Sparr.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street, Delta, PA.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 17th at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Parish, 1021 St. Mary's Road, Pylesville, MD 21132.

Reverend A. Henry Kunkel, III will be the celebrant.

Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery with military honors presented by the United States National Guard Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the church at the above address.