John Douglas Sparks, 57, left this world peacefully with his loving wife by his side. After a battle with melanoma cancer, he was called to join the other angels in heaven. John was born in Jacksonville, FL on July 5th, 1966, to loving parents Gladys Mae Brown and Douglas Warren Sparks. John was their miracle baby and they adored him from the moment he blessed their lives. John's dad was a train master. John grew up on the train taking many trips to see their family in Texas and Washington. He often talked about his childhood memories with his family especially his cousins. John had a very strong bond with his amazing parents and stayed close to them throughout his whole life. Although we are missing John tremendously, we know John's parents are happy to have their miracle baby back with them.

John was a 1984 graduate of Sandalwood High School. He enjoyed playing drums in the band, skating and surfing. John worked as a construction superintendent with KR Mechanical, sharing his knowledge and skills with many along the way, building several long lasting friendships. John considered Kerry his best mate, having each other's backs working on several big projects over the years. Most recently he spent his days working and fishing in Marathon, Fl. John and his grandson Landen earned the title "Snapper Slayers" from their mangrove snapper finds in the Keys. He married the love of his life, Nita, on Vanderbilt Beach at the perfect sunset. "I'm just living my life," words John lived by.

It's not often you meet someone that is genuinely a kind soul, a truly sweet man all the time. He was hilarious, generous, and the definition of a soul surfer. He loved to surf the waves in Neptune Beach. When John wasn't working away he enjoyed many amazing surf trips to Boca Barranca Beach in Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Dominican Republic, St Johns, and Hawaii. When he wasn't on his surf board, he was watching surf competitions. John loved his dog Boca Barranca, named after his favorite beach. Boca and John lived their lives in Neptune Beach, enjoying many beach days and parties together including John's epic 4th of July birthday party celebrations. "Bring it in!"

Johnny, Sparky, Funtime Johnny, Bailmaster, Johnny Drama, Johnny Spark it Up, he went by many names and he was always the life of the party. He was truly an incredible friend as shown by his many friendships that lasted decades. That speaks volumes as to how much he loved people and how much he was loved in return. John's character and personality were second to none, it was truly an honor to be his friend. He always had your back, you never had to worry about anything when you were with John. "I got you."

John's best friends Bobby and DeeDee had three daughters, Ashley, Allison and Audrey. John considered Bobby like a brother and they were his nieces. Watching them grow up were some of the best memories of his life and he talked about them often. The fun they had on countless times like vacation in Costa Rica, 4th of July parties, beach days with the dogs, Brody & Boca,  party on the patio and of course college football games. John was known to be the biggest Gator fan of all time! Go Gators!

He loved his girl. John and Nita attended the same middle school. He was in the band and she was a cheerleader. It took some years for John to reach out. Although they didn't connect in middle school, they connected later in life having a love story for the books! Many nights of dancing on the balcony under the stars. John loved her unconditionally and taught her to just live her life. He got the girl in the end. "That's my girl!"

John was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Mae Brown, father, Doug Warren Sparks, and loyal best friend, Boca Barranca Sparks. Survived by loving wife, Nenita Gutierrez Sparks, stepchildren, Laura Fulinara, Marcus and Maddy Fulinara, grandson, Landen Fulinara.

The lessons you taught and the love you gave are immeasurable. You've blessed so many lives, your spirit will remain with us always. the love and wisdom you gave will continue to shine in our memories of you. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Rest peacefully our sweet John. Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us everyday. We will carry you in our hearts until we meet again.

Family and friends whose lives John touched are invited to the to reminisce in the good memories with John. We each knew our own version of John and we want to celebrate his amazing life. Please feel free to share any pictures and stories about John. A graveside service will be held Saturday, January 20th, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville FL 32211. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in memory of John to the American Cancer Society Melanoma Research. Please reach out to Nita directly for guidance on how to complete this as it is restricted to melanoma research.